Educational and Child Development Programs
Ministry Team: Wafula Robert, Karina Smith, Ruth Howard, Faith Nyawere
Mission Statement:
To promote holistic development by practically demonstrating the unconditional love of God to vulnerable children.
Bringing education within reach of those of the Buvuma Islands is the driving force behind SHIM’s Educational Development branch.
LLHSS students examine a globe in a global studies class.
SHIM was instrumental in the founding of Lingira Living Hope Secondary School (LLHSS), as one of only two secondary islands in the 52-island Buvuma chain. From its inception, LLHSS has experienced the miraculous power of God to provide staff, students, and funding. The idea of a secondary school was first raised on December 29, 2005, and just over one month later, February 6, 2006, classes were opened.
LLHSS is a ministry of the Deliverance Church of Uganda, and is a registered boarding school with a student population of about 90 students and a teaching staff of 11. Advancing from mud and rough-hewn timber structures, in 2010 a brick and cement classroom, office, and laboratory block was completed.
Having reached maximum occupancy, the school is in immediate need of new dormitories to provide an opportunity for the many students from other islands who would wish to attend high school. Better staff housing is also a priority.
Because of the deep poverty of the island villagers, the students’ school fees only cover their food and a few incidentals. The bulk of the funding - teachers’ salaries, for example, comes through individual donations.
The recently completed brick and cement building at LLHSS, which features classrooms, offices, a staff room and laboratory.
Wanting to make education more accessible to the islanders, and support LLHSS, SHIM runs a child sponsorship program, linking sponsors in the States with individual students in primary and secondary schools, as well as university. Starting in 2011, SHIM will be partnering with LLHSS to begin a school fees cost-sharing program.
From the beginning, the vision of LLHSS has been to instruct and influence students so they may be challenged academically and spiritually and in turn positively impact their communities and nation.
Assisting and supporting other island schools is also a focus of SHIM’s Educational Development, including primary schools in Lingira, Kirewe, and Namiti.
CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
The purpose of the Child Development program is to provide holistic care as well as financial support to the Buvuma Islands’ vulnerable children. In line with the holistic focus, spiritual mentoring and encouragement are offered, students’ academic progress is followed, moral, educational, and financial accountability is required, and communication between SHIM, sponsors, and students is encouraged.
Sponsorship for primary and secondary students is $30 a month, which enables a student to study from kindergarten through high school. Sponsorship for college/university students is $100 a month.
Donations are made through Global Outreach International, a member of the ECFA. www.globaloutreach.org
SCHOOL FEES COST SHARING PROGRAM
For donors who are interested in supporting the education of unsponsored island youth, SHIM now has a school fees cost-sharing program.
Under this program, all parents and students of Lingira Living Hope Secondary School have the option of paying 60% of their portion of the school fees, rather than the full 100%. If this is accomplished within the first month of the term, the cost-sharing program completes the remaining 40%. The program will draw from a pool of donations designated for this purpose by friends and supporters of SHIM. Donations can be made through Global Outreach International, a member of the ECFA. www.globaloutreach.org
Learning to shine for Jesus - The Morning Star Ladies’ Study
Morning Star Ladies’ Study
In early 2010 Amanda Taylor and Ruth Howard began the Morning Star Ladies’ Study for young women at the local secondary school. Daily Bible reading, memorization, and personal application of the lessons are encouraged. Seeing the girls blossom spiritually and emotionally has been a joy to Amanda and Ruth.
Through this study and the generosity of the teachers’ home church, about 25 Bibles have been awarded to students of both genders who have successfully memorized the order of the 66 books of the Bible.