39 and counting!

We are growing here at Uhuru Academy! We have accepted 10 new scholarship students in the second half of this term, bringing our new total to 39! We are thankful to  be able to provide scholarships to girls who, despite their interrupted education, have excelled in the classroom and on their end of 8th grade (Class 8) exams that qualify them for high school. The new students have been embraced by the arms of our current students and have contributed to the screaming laughter and joyful atmosphere that has been cultivated here!

Our mission would not be possible without the generous hearts of those who have pledged to sponsor these students! In a country where girls get marginalized because of their gender, its so meaningful for us to be able to provide a free education for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity! Our school is also unique in that we have students who pay to go to our school. This provides an environment where students from all economical and social backgrounds get to know eachother and build friendships based on common interests instead of common circumstances. Our school has a gospel-centered environment where, whether in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, or hanging out, they are learning about Jesus and seeking Him in all they do. If you would like to be part of providing education for an under-privileged girl at our school, I can make it super easy for you! Just click on this link -->uchild.com 

It's never too late to get involved in bringing education and the gospel to a young lady in order to free her from the cycle of poverty both physically and spiritually! 

To give you an update on what the recent happenings at Uhuru Academy, I will tell you about the debate our girls participated in last weekend against Tumaini Boys Secondary School. This was a HUGE deal because most schools in Kenya are single gender. For boys to come visit our school was most likely the talk of the term! The girls also requested that the radio be available for socializing after the debate along with snacks... making sure everything would be perfect for their visitors. However, preparing for the actual debate was the most crucial point of focus.

The two debate topics were: the mini-skirt ban in Uganda and capital punishment. Eight students from each school took their stance on both issues and battled it out in our event hall. Our girls were fighting against the mini-skirt ban and the death penalty and I must say, for their first debate they showed real promise! I was impressed with the passion and critical thinking on the spot they displayed!

Afterwards, the social began with a few dance competitions between a few students from each school. Naturally, they were trying to impress one another and show off their skills which provided me with some pretty good entertainment! Not only were the dance moves fun to watch but just watching Kenyan teenageboys and girls interact in a social setting as an outsider was entertainment enough!

I was able to get a video of one of the prime moments during the dance off. The boys were impressing the girls with their dance moves and the girls were not shy about it!

All in all, whether you are having a hard day or a really good one, being part of Uhuru Academy is such a gift. I am so thankful that I get to call this place my workplace and feel like its where I belong. Sure there are difficulties with every job, but come on! When you get to work with these crazy girls every day you can't help but smile!