This month we are working with a different type of school, which serves the needs of a different type of child, from a different type of community than I have previously known . . . definitely FAR from what I experienced myself as a child. These children have challenges and experiences that I can barely comprehend even as an adult, yet they continue to press on. This mission school addresses their physical, educational, and spiritual needs with a model that works for this population and is sustained on a foundation of faith. It has been truly inspiring to partner with and get to know the hearts of those behind it over the past few weeks.
These are children with different challenges than many other children their age. Western Cape Town, South Africa has one of the highest percentages of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the world and the prevalence is even higher in the communities that this school serves. These children also face challenges because of their exposure to and personal struggles with physical & sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and violence that result in a greater prevalence behavior disorders than they might otherwise experience.
These are children from a different type of home and community. Most of the children that attend this school come from the nearby farms or squatter camps. Those that live on the farms live in modest homes and their parents/guardians are farm laborers who earn an honest but meager income. Those that live in the squatter camps most likely live in inadequate housing structures without water or electricity and their parents/guardians are typically unemployed. Extreme poverty is a real and evident factor in the lives of these children and provision of basic needs and safety is a definite concern.
It takes a different type of school to serve these children . . . as they are . . . where they are. The mission school that is run out of Fellowship Bible Christian Church is just that type of school. It is free to all attendees and currently offers an education to just over 100 children in Grade R – Grade 7. The children are provided 2 meals per day, a quality accredited education, and spiritual foundation through Christian assembly offered 3 days per week. This ministry also offers a variety of support services such as regular medical clinics, occupational therapy sessions, and psychological counseling for the children and their families. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this school is that it is funded solely on donations.
The individuals behind this effort are truly amazing people that live their life by faith that the Lord will provide for what he has purposed them to do for the children of these communities. Though it has not been easy, they are beginning to see the fruits of their labor as the ministry has grown in the past 5 years and they have faith in an expanded vision for the future that will even better serve the needs of these and many more children. It has been a true blessing to work alongside them for even this short time and to get to know their hearts.
If you would like more information about this school and related ministries, including information about how you can help, please check out their website at www.fbcschool.org.za.
