Just this weekend, we said farewell for the semester to the graduate class of 2019. They’re moving to Kampala to attend a quality Christian boarding school where they will be challenged by new experiences, grow academically and spiritually, and find out more of who God made them to be.
Most of these students are only 12 or 13, and this will be the first time they have ever lived outside of Arua! Last year, we talked to some of their parents. “Are you nervous at all, sending your child off? Do you want to keep them with you?” we asked. They all said no, that they were simply excited to see their children succeed and couldn’t be prouder.
Our school director told us that the community is delighted to be sending off not just one, but two classes – both this year’s class of 2019 and last year’s class of 2018. With each new class, the hope of the community grows. Most children in the area around Solid Rock don’t expect to graduate from elementary school, let alone attend a good high school. However, as these older neighborhood friends receive an education, work hard, and get the chance to pursue their dreams, the younger children can see a new future for themselves.
We are amazed by their teachers. They provide hope to the people around them, working in the community day in and day out. We are amazed by their sponsors. By giving up their own resources they make it possible for the children to go to school in the first place. And, of course, we are amazed by the children themselves. They own their education and have worked so hard to get here.
At the end of the day, we are simply humbled to be a part of God’s wonderful work through us all. If you haven’t joined us in the work, we invite you to sponsor a child today. If you have jumped into making a difference with us, thank you.
