Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Aly's elementary school. During the field service portion of my training for Mercy Ships back in October, Aly worked with us as a translator. Aly is the kind of person who goes way beyond doing what is required of him- he didn't just translate, he really partnered with us in working on the playground project and we were so blessed to have him on our team. His love for The Lord overflows into all the work he does.
So it was such a blessing to visit his school yesterday and see the work he has been pouring himself into since the school opened in 2011. This project started when Aly saw a need for education for the children of Christian families in his area, so he began with just two students and taught them himself. In a short two years, the school has grown to 60 children grades kindergarten-3rd. Aly plans to add a new grade each year.
The school building is next to Aly's home and church- three of the rooms are in use now, and there are three more one the other side of the building for the future.
The kindergarten class recited some poems for us, very enthusiastically!
The first grade was working on their reading lesson. The kids took turns reading to the class up at the chalk board.
The first grade teacher is there in the red
We ended the morning playing a game outside and eating a lunch of bread and beans. Aly's wife Adama cooks lunch for all the kids each day. Aly explained that some of the students' families can't afford the school fees, but Aly makes room for them in his school anyway.
A glimpse of the surrounding area
It was such a blessing to see the work Aly is doing in his community, and the way his love for The Lord is leading him to bless so many kids and thier families!
