In America, it’s common that in every grade most kids are around the same age. In Africa, just because you’re 17/18 does not mean you are a senior about to graduate. It’s common that most grades have big age gaps and it’s a toss up of a combination.
In the 9th grade class my teammate Jac and I taught this month that I’ve mentioned in other blog posts, we’ve had a wide variety of ages come through 44 students.
One of those being Richard. (Name changed) Richard is one of the best students we have. He comes in everyday, sleeves rolled to the exact length, never misses a day without the school sweater vest covering over.
His story. Ah yes his story. Richard missed 4 years of school at a young age and is now making up for loss time. His mom passed when he was a boy and lived with a step mom who let’s just say is worse then Cinderellas step mom. When it’s time for sports, you can find Richard on the wall by himself away from the classes. He doesn’t know how to play any sports.
The school we have been partnered with is year round with breaks in between. Every break, that runs about 3 weeks or so, Richard works to afford school fees. For a 8th and 9th grader it is 400 kwatcha per term. That’s $40 every 3 months. School fees is why most children in Africa won’t ever see a day in school. The poverty is just too bad. But Richard has found a way that works for him to be able to pay for himself(also unheard of) . Most children pay school fees if their parents work, or are sponsored by someone.
Richard can’t afford the school fee to eat at lunch and because his step mom doesn’t like him, she won’t leave him any food when he gets home from a long day at school.
Richard told Jac and I that because he is far behind, he wants to do everything he can to catch up. And when he takes the exam in October to pass onto to 10th grade he wants to put himself into an all boys boarding school to get a better education. Sometimes instead of leaving for a break between periods, Richard stays in just to teach himself more.
Richard is 24 years old in 9th grade with 41 other students who range from 14-well his age. He is one of the most hard working students I have met. He has a dream of becoming an electrician for the military.
I’m sharing his story with you because he’s just 1 out of many others who have impacted me this month. I’m calling out to the prayer warriors out there to join me in prayer for Richard. Prayers for financial needs to be met to fulfill his dream of going to a boarding school for high school so he can be an electrician some day. Prayers for the plans that God has on his life.
I’d being lying if I said that it doesn’t make me sad to leave these kids this month. But our God is a big God and he will continue to take care of the students. I’m beyond grateful and honored God chose me to meet these kids just like Richard this month.
