Global Capacity News, March 2012

Student Spotlight: Isaac

Name: Issac

Grade: Secondary 5

Issac is progressing very well. When we first met with him at the beginning of the year we were impressed with his humble attitude and his desire to continue school. He had previously attended school in Secondary 5 (S-5) in construction. He wanted so badly to continue with school but had no sponsor. He had failed in S-5 and was trying to go to another school where he knew the headmaster and thought he could skip to S-6. We advised him we would not do that and encouraged him to repeat. Usually students have difficulty in this because they feel they have failed those who love them. He impressed me because he rode his bicycle to school which was a long way. He never once asked for transport and was thrilled when he found out it was part of his scholarship.

As he walks by the office tall, thin and his chiseled face containing his beautiful smile he always stops in to say hi. Since construction comes with technical drawing he was discouraged one day since he did not have the materials he needed. We discussed all these things and we were able to purchase the drawing materials he needed. Again his appreciation is expressed in that beautiful face of his and the smile! He is busy studying for exams. He is happy and feels he will do well on his exams. The school trimester ends at the end of this month. He lives with ten others in his household which is challenging. He is very thankful for Global Capacity and what it has done for him. Issac speaks some English and applies himself . He has attended the English classes and tutoring. He has shown to take every initiative in what is offered.

Our Youngest Students Get Boarded 

Due to a change in our program for our youngest students, the Secondary 1 to 3 (equivalent to Grades 7 to 9) students have moved to a boarding school. This means throughout the year they will be living at the school for three months at a time and then have a month vacation at home.  Although it may sound difficult for a 13 year-old to handle, the children and their parents are "extremely thrilled" for it.  The 18 students are rooming together and establishing a close connection of shared experience together.  

Our partner overseeing our operations in Rwanda, Yvonne Parr notes the positive change: "This will definitely help us in establishing relationship, visitation and helping the kids scholastically since we can become familiar with the grading system, expectations etc. This school and the other [the S4-6 next door] are the easiest to communicate, meaning that when we call there is someone who answers the phone." 

Since they moved to the boarding school on February 13, the students have been thriving.   For some it is their first time away from home so it was difficult. Yvonne and Michael (our staff member) have visited the school multiple times to make sure things were ok. We have put a procedure in place with the school and with the students' parents, wherein a parent representative (George) speaks for the others. It is now exam-time, which is ok for them because they love the academics. It is a much better school than what they were in. In their spare time they play soccer, sing and visit with friends.

Question: Does our youngest students' success at boarding school surprise you?