Under a mango tree

I like this photo of Class 8 studying under a mango tree.

Graduates heading to secondary schools

Most of the secondary school admission letters have arrived for Kisima's first graduates. The schools have always based their admissions on the national exams that Class 8 students take in November.  This year the government changed the procedure but the top 10% of students nationally score above 360; at Kisima 42% scored above 360--a testament to good leadership, hard-working kids and dedicated teachers!  So far the kids are going to 12 different schools--what a logistics challenge to get 20 kids equipped and delivered to so many different places!  The orphans had sponsors at Kisima who are continuing to sponsor them through secondary school. 

New mosquito nets and a new well

There are new mosquito nets...

 

and a new well.  Having enough water has been a problem at Kisima.  The first hand-dug well was adequate when there were only about 100 students but there are now 298 students plus the staff.  A 100-liter water catchment tank was added some time ago that helped but of course not during dry periods.  One of the next projects is to pipe water to the kitchen and showers.  Currently water has to be carried.

Celebration

 On Sunday the entire school plus some local government representatives celebrated the first Class 8 and their fine showing in the national exam.  They started off by gathering in the dining hall for prayers and a sermon by a local pastor.  Then they joyfully set out down the road joined by some community members and motorcyclists. The exam results were announced a couple of weeks ago and the secondary school selection will start January 20.  The Class 8 students must be anxiously waiting to hear where they will be going.

 

 

Alternative Gift Fair

Denise and Bonnie set up a Kisima booth at John Calvin Presbyterian Church's Alternative Gift Fair today.  They sold gifts of school supplies, food, 10% of a dairy cow, and sponsorships.  Thanks to them and the wonderful people who bought the gifts!

Alternative Gifts

When you're working on your Christmas list please consider honoring your friends and family with a gift to Kisima in their name.  You may want to give a of school supplies for one child ($20), food for a child for a month ($20), a flock of chickens ($25, textbooks for one child ($40), or 10% of a cow ($55).  A downloadable gift card will be emailed to you.  Thank you so much and Merry Christmas from the entire Kisima community.

Class 8 exam

 It's impossible to overstate the importance of the Class 8 exam.  The students have been studying hard for months and their results will determine which secondary school they qualify for.  Since police would be present to monitor the exam Martin brought in some policemen (left) to talk to the children several days beforehand. 

 Last Saturday Martin invited a guest pastor and community members to a prayer service for the students.  Prayers and words of encouragement were offered.

The exam was given Nov. 4-6 in the dining hall.  Government proctors administered the test.  Security is taken very seriously--the students were "frisked" as they entered and the desks are widely spaced.  The anxiety leading up to the exam is over but now the students have the anxiety of waiting for the results!