Impact Stories
We opened our initial library in 2018, and within the first year of operations, it was already clear that we would need more space. The community interest in our Library was growing each week, and our small room couldn’t accommodate all of the children who would come. We also knew that some day, we would expand our program into more schools and be more serving more children and teachers on a weekly basis.
So the dream for a bigger Center was planted in 2019,
Technology is rarely used in community schools. So when the parents at Joy Grace saw the teachers on tablets and smartphones during class, they thought they were neglecting their children and just playing on social media. They began to complain to the school’s director who had to call a school-wide meeting and explain to the parents that the teachers were using educational apps to help their children learn.
For one parent, that wasn’t the end of the story.
It's easy to tell these two are brothers because they look so much alike. Anthony is the eldest and is a very strong reader. By 5th grade, he was already reading our highest level books, which is rare within community schools. But just a year ago, his younger brother, Emmanuel, could hardly read at all. Their mom noticed that Emmanuel was struggling and she asked Anthony to help teach his younger brother.
Josephine, a compassionate 14 year old student at Joy Grace Community School, remembers what life was like for her before she learned how to read just a few years ago. She attended another school in Ng’ombe where she was never taught how to read, but was often punished for not knowing how. She says her teachers were so mean to her, and twice she was held back a grade. That experience was so traumatic that she lost the desire to learn anything.
When her mother found out about Josephine’s struggles and the school’s poor treatment of her, she transferred her to Joy Grace Community School. When she started 5th grade here, Josephine wouldn’t talk to her classmates for fear that they would laugh at her for not knowing how to read.
When you sit down with Joshua, one of the first things you’ll learn is how much he loves to sing and write music. He will gladly rap for you an original song, and trust us, the boy has talent! When he grows up, he wants to be a gospel singer.
Joshua joined Fountain of Life Community School two years ago as a 4th grader. When he joined, he didn’t know how to read. Unfortunately, this is the reality for most children in Ng’ombe. They may be going to school every day, but never learn how to read while there.
What a year this has been! There aren't quite words to describe what we've all been through, and how this pandemic has affected our lives. But there are words to say just how grateful we are that you've continued to walk with us and our partner schools through this crazy year.
Take a look at this short video below as our schools say thank you for all that you've made possible this year!
With a class of 50 preschool students, Teacher Rhoida has her hands full! A typical day of learning in this class involves singing songs, reciting chants, and copying shapes and letters from the chalkboard. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources and the experience in how to use them, there is very little hands-on, interactive learning.
So last month, we packed up a box of teaching resources from our Center and visited Rhoida’s classroom to try them out.
Impact One Initiative is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
