2014 Literacy Graduations

Each year, since 2008, Adult Literacy has been a huge part of Starfish Charities.  It never gets old!  In each community we have reached into, we have observed the transformation that occurs when individuals learn to read.  Some will move very quickly through the curriculum, while others move very slowly.  We have always tried to keep our numbers below 15 per class/teacher so we can give them our best.

This year, however, one of our classes had 22 students.  They were so eager to learn and our teacher recruited a helper, so we said yes.  Below are pictures of the graduation of those 22 individuals.  What a joy it was to see the smiles on their faces.

Addressing the students and their families and encouraging them to keep on keeping on is always a pleasure.  I was in the States most of the time this class was running, but our two faithful teachers kept things going.  They even held some nighttime sessions when needed.  I am so proud of all of them.

One of our students on graduation day.  They show up in their finest.  Their beautiful beadwork is such a part of who they are in their culture.

This is the pastor of the church in which we held our classes.  He never had the opportunity to go to school, so he was thrilled to join the class and learn.  Here he is demonstrating his ability to write his name.  That doesn't sound like much, but prior to this, when he had to sign a legal document, the best he could do was put an "X" on the signature line.

Meet, James (middle), our faithful teacher.  He taught Kindergarten in the local school in the morning hours, then continued with adult literacy in the afternoons three days per week.  Also pictured with me and James, is Pastor John Shakai, one of my board members.

Gifts are always exchanged on these celebratory days.  I started with beads that had been given to me in the past, but they just kept adding more.  This sweet lady is showing off her new lesso (wrap).  We gave each lady a new one, along with a couple of other gifts.

My friend, Gloria, joined us for the day.  They also gave her a necklace.  They are always so excited to have visitors.

Another friend, Ellis Townsend, was here in Kenya and decided to join us for the day of celebration.

You can't have a celebration without a cake.  Cake is a very big deal in these communities.  So, we cut the cake at the end of the day and then had lunch!  Americans think of cake as dessert.  Kenyans look at cake as part of the celebration.

Me and the pastor after the ceremony.

The whole class and teachers, and a few children.  They love having their pictures taken!

Later that week, we had another graduation at another community.  Isek is a much smaller community, so we had a much smaller class.  Also, during months of July, August and September, they experienced a severe drought.  When that happens, they have to move their animals to greener pastures.  Some of these communities almost literally clear out until the rains begin.

This class only started with 12 students.  Eight attended for several weeks, but in the end, we only had four graduates who met the attendance requirement to graduate.  We felt it was important to acknowledge these faithful four, so we had a celebration just for them.

This is one of our teachers.  We didn't really need two teachers, but these young ladies are best friends and wanted to do this together.

Pictured here are both of our teachers receiving their certificates and gifts.

Our graduates with their teachers. Their ability to read enables them to read their Bibles.  That is our ultimate goal! 

And, of course, the cake!  Notice the misspelling on Succes?  Maybe our baker needs to attend class.  No worries, it tasted great!  

A special thank you to those of you who support Starfish Charities on a regular basis or even just occasionally.  Every little bit helps make a difference in the lives of these precious people. Never think "little" is too little.  It all adds up to help me continue the work God has led me to do.