A Visit to Enkoireroi Primary School

A recent visit to this remote village brought some unexpected surprised and blessings! We first became acquainted with this place last June (2009). A young pastor, Daniel, saw the need for a school in his village. The nearest school of any kind is 10 km away (about 6.5 miles). The nearest town is 35 km -- and no one in this village has a vehicle.

Due to its remoteness, this area has issues with wild animals such as lions, leopards, and elephants! It is too dangerous for the young children to walk to school, so many delay their education -- if they even get to go to school at all. So Daniel decided to change that. He decided to start a village school in his small mud church.

He began this school with no resources. They have wooden shutters on the windows and he used the wood as a chalkboard to teach the children their lessons.

Last year we took enough books for 20 children although they had 50 students at the time. Additionally, we provided two chalk boards, chalk, exercise books, pencils, and a few other things to get them started.

Cookie time! (Biscuits as they call them here) This is such a rare treat for these rural children.
They all knew we were coming, but when they saw my car, there were smiles of welcome all around. Then when they saw our camera, they all want their pictures taken.
We brought many surprises this time. Pastor Daniel had requested a soccer ball. How could I refuse this sincere and much needed request? In addition to the ball, we also brought four jump ropes. It was so much fun watching them try to master the ropes!The young man in red was home from his school that day. He was so excited about the ball and he knew exactly what to do with it.
He ran and played and entertained. Those children were so excited.
Meanwhile, Pastor Daniel and I were inside the church/school sorting through the educational materials we brought. You can tell by his beautiful smile that he couldn't wait to share the news with the children.
Picture time! We lined the children up outside and handed out books. The children knew that there were far too few books for everyone, but the excitement of just getting to hold a brand new book was enough for some.
The blessing of knowing that soon, many of them will be able to read these books was overwhelming. I can't get enough of their smiles.
This small and woefully inadequate gift to this precious school will be life-changing for many of these children. Daniel shared that because of our help last year, 11 of his pupils were tested in December at the local primary school and were admitted into 2nd grade. That is an amazing success story. He said 8 of the 11 ranked in the top of their class at that school during the first term which ended in March of this year.
Pastor Daniel gathered the children and we went inside for presentations and speeches.
First came the singing! They made me cry. They sang a song about Moses being called to go to God's people. Then they changed the words and sang "Rhoda was called by God to go to His people....." Wow! It touched my heart.
What can I say? Their smiling faces are irresistible

We were welcomed by one and all, but when we were ready to leave, these three ladies showed up singing as they kept the beat with their drum. What a send off for a perfect day!