School's In... School's Out... |
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We thought in this update we would let you see how your support is making a difference in the lives of our kids here when it comes to their education. Enjoy. |
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Welcome to the Team Kevin Wanga is our social worker intern who started with us in September. Right after he graduated from University with his degree in Community Development and Social Work, he spoke with the children regarding his former struggles with academics and his determination to succeed. He really inspired the kids to persevere and to strive for success. He has been a great role model, godly leader and a huge asset to our team! |
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During the middle of the school year, Class 8 decided to enter their school’s science fair. They built a eco friendly Kenyan home. They included solar panels to heat water, gutters with rain collection tanks for irrigation and many other touches. The girls were quite proud and the teachers were very impressed. They did such a good job that their project went to a country wide exposition! |
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In August we had staff changes that led to the two of us overseeing homework time. With 63 children grades 3-12, we found it difficult to track who was actually getting homework done or preparing for exams. We decided to have the kids sit together by classes with an adult overseeing one or two grades. We found we were able to tutor more effectively. As a result 80% of our kids saw a significant increase in their grades over the last two grading periods! |
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In Kenya the school year begins in January and usually ends in December. However, this year they changed things which gave the kids two months off for their "Summer Vacation". Sounds great, but it becomes a bit of a challenge with 95 children in all! After morning chores, Rhonda set up a variety of fun educational activities to do before lunch and then in the afternoons Kevin and the college interns planned sports & games with the kids. |
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During break we daily had open library and reading time. When they completed a book, they got their photo taken with their book rating. Thumbs up, thumbs down or somewhere in between. They loved having their pictures on the wall. |
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At the beginning of summer break, Larry, the college interns and our high school students reorganized the library/computer lab. Jen Correll (a former international school teacher) and our boarding school kids were a huge help in teaching basic computer skills to our class 6-12 students. |
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We discovered during homework time while kids were still in school, that grades 3-5 needed to work on multiplication facts. Rhonda and Jen came up with a good way to motivate the kids by having them work toward an ice cream sundae party. Rhonda gave the kids one minute timed tests for 2’s, 3’s, 4’s... all the way through 12’s. As they progressed, they earned extra toppings on their sundae. Progress was updated daily on a giant ice cream cone poster.
The older kids didn't want to be left out of the ice cream party so they joined the contest. So ALL 68 students completed ALL of their times tables! It was a lot to keep track of, but it will pay off when they return to school. |
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These four children really struggled to master all of the times tables. But they were really determined to finish so they kept working hard right up to the last day to test. They each earned the Hard Work and Determination Award. (Left to right are John, Kevin, Faith
and Wesley.) |
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The same day Rhonda presented these children with the Being Helpful and Having a Positive Attitude award. They were all caught helping others without being asked and through the whole break they did everything asked willingly and with positive attitudes. (Left to right are Stoba, Maina, Lucy and Devicha.) |
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Commencement Day Last month, Cynthia graduated with a diploma (equivelant to an associates degree) in Micro Finance. She will be continuing her education next year toward earning her BS degree. She is our first, First Love child to go to university. We are so proud of this young lady. She has such a beautiful and sweet spirit. She has been a wonderful leader to our younger children here.
We had a full day of celebration. The children decorated the dining hall, we all got dressed up, special food was prepared and Cynthia’s family traveled far to be here for the celebration. They were so grateful for everything that First Love has done for her. She was honored well by her FLK brothers and sisters as many speeches were given. Even five year old Ann sang her a song. |
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Left: Tom Clinton, First Love International Founder, shared beautiful memories of Cynthia growing up here at FLK. Top Right: Cynthia and her FLK brothers: Josephat, Michael, John, George, Maxwell, Joshua and Ainea. Bottom Right: Time for cake! |
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