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!

Exam results, new uniforms

The term two district exam results are out:
 
Class 8--#8 out of 111 schools
Class 7--#12 out of 117 schools
Class 6--#7 out of 80 schools
Class 5--#1 out of 51 schools
Class 4--#2 out of 51 schools
 
Wow!!  What great results!  Everyone, staff and students alike, are to be commended.  They are all working very hard.  Last week Martin brought in English and Swahili specialists to work with Class 7 and 8.  Some Class 8 students from other schools were invited to the sessions also.  Not only the students but also the teachers benefited.

One of the June visitors donated funds for new uniforms.  Judging from the photos, everyone was very happy to receive them!

Soccer win

A LOT of rain makes for a very messy soccer field.  Kisima won 2-1 against Brightsite.  Hurray!

You might have noticed that the school in the background is not Kisima with its neat blue-trimmed brick buildings.