What we have done together
School and higher education
A lot of children are not in school because of bad finances or lack of supplies. Several children don't have a backpack, books or they lack the most basic things like shoes to wear. They might be missing a uniform or that it's worn out and full of holes.
When a child gets lunch at school, there is a bigger chance that the family will send the child to school. With the help of a lot of sponsors, we pay for school and education for over 100 children and youth. We want to give a special thank you to our sponsors, who have made it possible for us to help so many children and youth with school.
Miriam
When we first met Miriam in 2018, she had just become suddenly and inexplainably paralyzed from the waist down. We were touched by her strength and willpower. She smiled through long days at the hospital. Even though we had to turn around to shed some tears. This willpower has been an important factor for her improvement.
With the help of physiotherapy several times a week for over 2 years, she has slowly but steadily regained the sensation back in her legs. We want to give a big thank you to the physiotherapist Peter, who has made an exceptional effort for Miriam. As well as her sponsors who have been supporting us through her recovery and treatment.
Family planning seminar
Many girls get pregnant early jenter, as early as down to the age of 14-15 years old. This leads to dropping out of school, because it's not legal to be pregnant while you're in school. We hired local health personnel to have courses about family planning, as well as free HIV testing and birth control.
Adult education
We have met many women who want a better job to be able to provide for their families. They previously had small jobs, and made very little money. Several have wanted to become tailors. They have gotten a good training by a talented teacher, hired by us. They also got their own sewing machine after finishing their training, that we bought for them. These women have managed well in the profession on their own afterwards, and thus been able to provide better for their families.
Education seminar
It's common that girls drop out of school before or during high school. Many of them become pregnant at a young age, and it is not common that girls get higher education. If the family has little money, the boys are prioritized over the girls.
We invited successful working women to hold a seminar for the local girls. Gladness also had a “pep-talk” about their value and opportunities, as well as the importance of being able to be independent and not depend of a man. All the girls who were not already in school, wanted to start after attending the seminar.
