This post should have come before the graduation, but I was busy and couldn't get to it. There are some very interesting things about this class, however, that need to be shared, so here goes.
When we choose a community in which to have a literacy class, we first have to find a teacher. Most of our teachers are young individuals who have completed high school. Since this is basic literacy we are dealing with kindergarten - second grade materials. The materials Starfish provides for each student costs about $14.00, then we also provide two chalk boards, chalk, and some essentials for the teacher. Each student pays the equivalent of roughly $2.00 for their packet of materials and then they pay 25 cents per day of class. That money goes to pay the teacher's salary. So with ten students, the teacher is paid approximately $2.50 per day for two hours of class time. Believe it or not, they are excited about that pay in these rural areas.
On the chalkboards below, you can see some of their daily lessons. In this case, the days of the week in English and Swahili.
There were some very interesting relationships in this class. This old man is past 80; has at least two wives and 14 children. He said he has made sure all 14 of his children were educated, now it is his turn. Pictured with him is one of his wives who is also a student in our literacy training.
Pictured below is another man who attended class with his two wives. During graduation he said "I now have something I've never had before. In the past we were in the dark, now we are in the light"
This young man is John Tira, our teacher. Pictured with him is his mother -- also a student. She said she worked hard to make sure her children were educated. Now her son is educating her.
This lady impressed us with writing her name on the chalkboard. Her name is Jerusha. At the graduation, she spoke as a representative for the ladies. She was holding her book as she spoke and said "I am holding this book because I love it." She further stated "in the past women never hold books -- only children. It is because of God that I can now hold this book and know what it says".
For all of you who helped make this possible -- a huge thank you for your help. The prices for their books has gone up and then there are expenses connected to the graduation, but for only $250 you can sponsor 10 students for literacy. I hope more of you will consider sacrificing a little and help us as we prepare for 2011.God bless you!
