Carrie visited Baby Class, P1, and P3 to teach a lesson on life in America. She created posters that had information regarding transportation, food, sports, animals, and seasons. After she reviewed the information on the charts, she asked the children what they learned. She wrote their responses on the board. Then they copied the sentences into their books which is what they take home to show their parents what they learned that day. Carrie, the students, and the teachers all had a wonderful time. She will do the same in the remaining classes tomorrow. Julene also went around to various classes and shared about her family and where she lives. Carrie and Julene both help Peninnah to grade exams for the Top Class. Students this week are beginning their end-of-term standardized exams.

Trevor began to meet with the students that the teachers had identified as having difficulty learning. With Wilson's help, Trevor led the students through various exercises that ranged from playing catch with a beach ball to visual exercises to copying shapes and words. Trevor was definitely in his element:-)

One thing we noticed was that a number of the students we saw today have a history of being bounced from school to school. Sometimes these students were beat at school and at home for being "stupid." God is Good School has become a refuge for these struggling students. When other schools reject these children and beat them, Wilson welcomes them with open arms and love. This school is a place where these children are respected and treated with dignity. It is amazing to see Wilson interact with these students and to hear him tell each of their stories--he truly knows his students.

Two quick examples. Michel's father was ready to take him out of school because he felt that he was wasting his money since Michel was struggling and not passing his classes. Wilson told the father that he would waive the school fees if he would please leave Michel in school. Wilson knew that Michel could do better if given time. The father agreed and left Michel in school and he has shown improvement. For Wilson the priority is the well-being and future of these children and he is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make that priority a reality. Then there's Marvin. Marvin has attended four different schools and was beaten at each school and at home for being a bad student. Last term his parents moved him to a Muslim primary school just up the hillside from the God is Good School. During the break time on his first day at the Muslim school, Marvin came down and joined a class at God is Good. His parents asked which school he wanted to go to and he said God is Good. When they asked why, he said it was because God is Good has nice buildings. Though they were Muslim, they reluctantly allowed their son to attend God is Good. When Marvin has a hard time learning at school, sometimes he will skip school and not let his parents know. Marvin skipped a couple of days earlier this week. When he came to school today, Wilson told him that if he is having problems to please tell them. He gave him a hug and told him that they love him and want to help him but they can only help him if he comes to school.

We have found the same is true with the teachers. Many of the teachers have come from previous teaching jobs where they were cheated and would go months without pay. What these teachers get paid at God is Good is significantly less than what they can make at a public school, but they like God is Good because Wilson pays them every week, feeds them breakfast and lunch, and treats them all with respect. Wilson is so committed to his teachers that he pays them first at the end of each month, even if that means his family has to go without food.

There are so many stories and examples of this it is hard to keep track. God is Good is not just a school. It is a place where those who have been marginalized, mistreated, and disrespected can come and be in a community that is built on love, support, and empowerment. This school truly is a pillar of hope and hospitality in this community. Praise be to God!

Follow this link to read Julene's blog entry for today.