Opportunity Beyond Poverty
We began the construction of Kembo Primary School in 2005. This is the only permanent structure in the Kembo, Africa area. Both the construction of the building and the promotion of education have been more difficult than expected. Today we have built three classrooms.
Since we are on an island, the ground was either too rocky or too muddy for the laying of the foundation. People transported sand, rocks, bricks, and water on their heads, walking sometimes several kilometers. The tools for the construction are limited and sometimes we have to get primitive.
Only those who were part of the construction process know the struggles, efforts, disappointments and hard work that it has taken to build Kembo Primary. We have shed our tears of joy and frustration, but keep pressing on.
Progress has been made, but we are still a long way from completion. We still need to set cement floors and plaster the walls. The water is coming up from the ground inside the classrooms and thus weakening the foundation. We need to set windows and doors to protect the children from the rain and strong winds they often have. A boys and girls restroom needs to be built.
A drinking water reservoir needs to be built. We must gather school supplies for the students and need to build desks for the students who are currently sitting on the floor.
The children of the island are wonderful, playful and intelligent. It is true that they live in some of the most impoverished areas of the world, but they will learn if we provide them with the necessary tools. They want to see opportunity beyond poverty.
Ruth Palomo
Short-term missionary to Uganda
Project Number 0650472
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© 2007 Church of God World Missions
