Thursday, October 27, 2011

A Day in the Life of Our Orphans

The typical day for a child who attends school in our orphan village, baby class to Primary 5, is spent this way:

Prayer

Each morning our children start their day in prayer. They pray for a better life, their families, well being and for you, their sponsors.

Assembly

All of the children gather around together outside of the school where they pray for their sponsors, our ministry team and their days. They then sing several songs including their National anthem. The Principal or one of the teachers then goes over any disciplinary issues and then encourages the children in their pursuit of the day.



Class

Our students have a variety of classes that they attend each day. Classes could include Math, Science, Music, Physical Education, English and Writing.

Breakfast

All students come together in a common area for their breakfast meal, which is typically porridge.

Recess

Recess is a fun time for socializing, as well as, physical activity. Many enjoy playing soccer, netball, or enjoying the playground equipment.

Class

Kids go back to class after their recess break and the learning continues.

Lunch

All students come together in a common area for their Lunch meal.

Class

After Lunch the kids go back to class for their last subject for the day.

Chores

After school, the children begin their chores, which include cleaning the classrooms, sweeping, mopping, trimming the bushes, picking up trash, etc. They will also clean their shoes & uniforms f they are dirty so they will be ready for the next school day.





Homework

Older kids set aside one hour for homework each day. To complete any lessons they were unable to finish, as well as, lessons to complete at home.


Dinner

Dinner is prepared by the house moms for the children in their homes. The mothers then take dinner back to each of their homes where they sit together as a family to eat together.

Devotionals

Daily bible lessons to learn more about God and his kingdom. These can be led by both the house moms or some of the older children.


Our Primary 6 & Primary 7 children start their day in prayer, but then go off campus until they return for dinner. The children’s typical day begins with sun up and ends as the sun sets. You can see that their day is full of learning, both educationally and spiritually.


Weekends

The kids have time to play and enjoy time with their friends. Soccer is a favorite past time for many. On Sunday all children go to church where they learn, pray and sing songs. A typical church service in Uganda last approximately two hours. The younger children divide into classes where volunteers come and teach their classes. All the older children, Primary 5 through Primary 7, attend a service with the house moms.


Because of Calvary,



Jackson Senyonga

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Wordless Wednesay



Monday, October 17, 2011

Attention Dear Sponsors

We want to take a minute to remind you that it is critical that you send all monetary donations through our ministry and not directly to the children. This applies both to parcels as well as when visiting through missions. Our children have never been talked to about smart monetary spending except for the Tithe, so realistically they do not know how to handle money responsibly. This is why it is important that we handle the financial aspects of these children's lives. We appreciate your generosity and are grateful for your love for these children.

In regards to parcels, please be sure that you are paying attention to the guidelines we have set up for you as outlined in your welcome letter. It is important that you do not send parcels that are larger than a FLAT 8 1/2 x 11 envelope. Anything larger that is being sent cost more for pick up as we are taxed on the items. Please note that we will not be picking up parcels if they are not within the guidelines we have specified. We would appreciate you following these guidelines so that we can be the best stewards of the finances you have entrusted us with to care for your child.


Because of Calvary,

Jackson Senyonga

Friday, October 14, 2011

The New School

Thanks to U-kids for all their hard work this summer! They finished the first floor of the new school building just in time for school to reconvene for the August session. The kids were so excited to see the new building. This new school building is a blessing for our continually growing Christian Life Ministry kids. The students will continue to use the old school building, as well, until the second floor of the new building is complete.

The kids are enjoying their new building with it’s new desks and they’re anxious to begin learning. Teachers too are enjoying the new classrooms which are equipped with black boards. Such a simple thing can make such a big impact on the ability of students to learn new concepts and teachers to teach. They now can use the blackboard to communicate & demonstrate ideas and list important information they are teaching. Visual aids help both the teachers and students organize information to be learned. The use of a black board can help to create an interactive and varied learning experience. Thus reaching students with a wide range of learning styles or abilities.

The new building serves babies to Primary 5 students where they have a variety of classes which includes: Math, Science, English, Writing and Music. They spend about eight hours at school each day and learning is such a large part of their every day life. We are so glad this facility has been furnished for them to continue the enrichment of these kids.

We cannot thank our wonderful sponsors or U-kids enough for their generosity without your help none of this would be possible. We pray this blessing upon each of you. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25

We are thankful for a gracious and wonderful God that allows us to be apart of these children’s lives and watch them grow. Praise the Lord for a school building that will help these children continuously learn more and more each day!






Because of Calvary,



Jackson Senyonga

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wordless Wednesday



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Preparing for Secondary School


“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela

It is that time of year again when our P7 kids are preparing for their Secondary School admissions tests. We have eighty-three kids studying for their upcoming tests this November. The test is a cumulative test that examines a child’s knowledge to ensure they are ready for Secondary School. They begin studying early because everyone wants to progress to the next level.

Africa’s Primary Schools comprise grades 1 through 7 and Secondary Schools are grades 8th to 12th. All students must pass examinations to enter Secondary Schools. Student’s know that a good education can help them have a better and more enriched life. We are glad our students strive to excel in school and thirst to increase their knowledge. We can only hope this love of knowledge will continue throughout their lives.

We ask all of our sponsors to keep these boys and girls in their prayers. It is a great time to send a supportive letter to your sponsored child and give them extra encouragement letting them know they can do it.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad”

Proverbs 12:25


Because of Calvary,



Jackson Senyonga

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