EDUCATION
Children barefoot, dirty and in tattered clothes swarmed around us like bees to honey as we walked through the hills to visit the people in their homes. The cry of the women was consistent, “What can you do to help the children?” HIV had rolled through this land of poverty and left many children orphans. They lived each day without hope for a better tomorrow, while hunger consumed their thoughts and deadened any ambitions. It seemed as though they were destined for a grim life on the streets.
In 2013 Linda’s Little Angels Academy opened for those who could only dream of going to school. The government provides free education for the primary level, grades one through eight but the families are to purchase: uniforms, shoes, books, paper, pens, pencils, and provide transportation. These required costs make it impossible for a high percentage of children to have an education. What a joyful day it was for the children and the villagers when Linda’s Little Angels Academy opened their doors and welcomed over sixty students the first year.
Some of these children are HIV+, some are orphans, some have never had a pair of shoes on their feet, and a large number of children are the first generation in their family line to go to school. These children have experienced pain, the death of loved ones, rejection and abuse. As you look into their eyes, you can see the pain and hurt they carry deep within them. They were born into an environment of tragedy and daily struggles, but with God’s help, they can have a glorious ending.
For a lot of the children at Linda’s Little Angels Academy the only food they will have for the day is given to them at school. They come to school hungry but are provided two hot meals before they return home for the day. At school, the students will learn the essential elements of education and with spiritual guidance will understand that Jesus loves them.
Thank you for helping these children and for giving them an opportunity for a brighter future. With your help we are breaking the cycle of poverty and lives are being changed. These villages will never be the same again!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.