2013 Adult Literacy Celebration

On Saturday, June 29th we held the first Celebration ceremony for two of our Adult Literacy Classes.  These classes were held in Olmeroi and Oreteti, and they joined together for the completion ceremony.  Although the cake was tasty and beautiful, I thought it was a little ironic that the baker misspelled "success" on a cake done for a literacy class.

Upon our arrival, I first had to visit the "kitchen" to check on the food preparation.  They were really amused that I wanted to stir the pot of meat.

While the children wait patiently, the women are busy scurrying around, serving tea to those who've arrived for the celebration.  Most of the cooks are also students who will be graduating.

The men typically gather under the trees and solve the world's problems as they await their tea!

After tea, the ceremony began.  This church was packed with students, family members, and community well-wishers.

Meet Emmanuel.  Not only is he the pastor of the church in Oreteti (pictured here), but he was also our teacher for this class, and my capable interpreter for the ceremony.

Pastor John Shakai, my friend and board member, delivered the message of encouragement to the students. 

This lovely lady is Sally, wife to Emmanuel -- our interpreter.  This is actually the first time I've seen her all dressed up like a Maasai woman.  She is educated, fluent in English, and a wonderful pastor's wife to Emmanuel.  It was obvious she is well-loved in this community.

This man and woman are two of our students from Olmeroi.  We were so excited to have several husband and wife students.  This man, Pastor Joshua, was very determined to learn all he could so he could better serve his church and community.  We are all very proud of his determination to learn to read his Bible.

These guys are three brothers, a wife to one of them, and her son, the teacher.

These two ladies are co-wives, meaning they are both married to the same man.  A common part of their culture, but disappearing in the younger generation.

This is a mother, her daughter, and a co-wife.  I am so thrilled with these families learning together.

This young man, Solomon, is the teacher for our other class held in the Baptist Church in Olmeroi.  We also presented our two teachers with certificates.  Other teachers of our past literacy classes have used these certificates as proof of their experience, and have gotten other teaching jobs.  This young man wishes to go to aeronautical school next January. 

Emmanuel receiving his certificate.

After presenting all the certificates, it was time for gift giving.  We gave a bag of gifts to the two teachers which included a handkerchief, socks, and a study Bible.  Emmanuel stated he had been praying for a new Bible.

A very happy Emmanuel and his wife Sally.

This is Solomon's wife, Lois.  Saturday was the first time I had met her and what I didn't realize is that she was expecting a baby.  (They are very good at hiding it).  Today, (Sunday) Solomon called me to inform me she gave birth to a baby boy this afternoon.  What a surprise!

The Maasai women are very generous with their beautiful bead work.  They presented me with this special necklace.

Then, another lady came forward and presented me with another one.

Teresa, my wonderful friend, is ever at my side these days, helping any way she can.  She was also recognized and given special beads.

Not one, but two!

This picture is specially for the ladies at Cross Community Church in Poteau, OK.  Here I am explaining to the ladies this bag of sewing items in their gift bags.  The ladies at Cross Community, spearheaded by Zula Clark, made up numerous sewing kits to be given away.  Although these Maasai women use needles, thread, etc. to do their bead work, they often don't have normal needles, buttons, and thread to do simple repairs on torn clothing, etc.  They were very excited and appreciative.

These are our 15 graduates from Olmeroi, along with their teacher, Solomon.

These are our Oreteti graduates, nine in all, along with their teacher Emmanuel Kinayia.

What an amazing day of celebration, recognition, food, fun and fellowship.  I praise God for these 24 students who now know the fundamentals of reading.  Thank you to all who have helped make this possible.