Independence Day
The children of the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrate their country’s Independence Day just days apart. But the similarities of their two worlds end there. I just received an email message from our Congo Manager, Justin in Bulape. “We had recommendation to close schools not before July 12. Our National Examination will take place in July 7, 2008. Do not forget my students in your prayers. They will take the National Examination for the first time.” Justin is also headmaster of the Lycee Dinanga School. It is not your traditional Congolese school. It is a fairly new secondary school just for girls. The young ladies are given a chance to finish school and learn a vocational skill. Congo is the one of the worst place in the world to start a business. Starting a new school is just as difficult. It takes too long to get too many forms completed, signatures obtained, and papers stamped. You have to get government approval to be added to the list of official schools. With government’s approval, you are authorized to stand in line for your chance of meager salary and resources support. Also, your students are allowed to take the National Examination. Passing the National Examination is a really big deal for these students and the teachers. It is the mother of all report cards. It is a report card for more than just the students. It can be significant for teachers and parents, too. Passing the National Examination is the first step toward personal educational achievement for a student. Without education and its opportunities, Independence Day is just another hollow and meaningless day for the youth of Congo. Please pray for the students, the teachers, and the parents.
Comments