December 10th, 2010 Finishing things started is an integral part of KCF's educational focus and many of the older boys defies the odds by going back to school, sat with little children as teenagers, learned formally all the way through grade 8 and enrolled in trades to finally earn their certificates in several professional fields. When you think and consider that many left school in grade one or two and still others never went to school because of whatever the reason that forced them onto the streets, this indeed is a job well done. To give an idea of the school system here, in the primary grades teachers use a certain percentage of the vernacular language to foster comprehension. When that student moves to junior and senior secondary, vernacular is nonexistent leaving one to read, write, speak and comprehend in this newly learned language – English. This is the reason why some of the boys opted to leave school at grade 8 because trying to function in eight subject areas all conducted in English with homework etc, it became very difficult. We are continually grateful to you our supporters for understanding and encouraging our education team in counseling these boys in exploring the best future possibilities for them. For the eight boys that went to trade school it proved fruitful as all of them submitted to the yearlong rigorous training, apprenticeship and successfully passed their trade examinations in Food Production and Carpentry and Joinery. Please join us in thanking God and congratulating these young men on a job well done. Talking about job, please also pray with us as they begin the process of securing gainful employment, as their futures slowly become a reality.--Warren & Vicky Carr |
THE PROOF IS IN FINISHING
ALL QUIET ON THE EASTERN FRONT
December 9th, 2010 Twenty-two KCF boys and two uncles took a bold and courageous step in undergoing male circumcision this week, a move that was both personal for some and morale support for others. Several of the boys were struggling with complications due to Himosis and the only way to correct it is by having circumcision. The procedure is a main talking point in HIV/AIDS prevention talks in schools, has also help in educating the boys on the pros, and cons to the operation done under local anesthetics. Now that schools are on holiday, we had a meeting with the boys to ascertain the number wanting to have the procedure done and an overwhelming 29 said, "They would." This week 24 and next week four, with one boy due to a pre-existing condition that needs correcting first before undergoing the procedure had to reschedule. It is "…all quiet on the eastern front…", as the boys have no interest in playing their favorite pass-time soccer (football), opting to watch the games on TV, clad in togas and taking painkillers is the order of the next few days. Thanks for praying for speedy recovery with complete healing. --Warren & Vicky Carr |
OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL
December 7th, 2010 The song goes on to say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…in Zambia, however, it is more like let it rain; but that is no deterrent to decorating for Christmas. Missionary Myranda Morales came clad with citenge material of various colors, scissors, glue and ruler and created a Christmas tree out of material decorated with other colorful materials that she and some volunteers stuck to the wall of the living room in house one. They also decorated the walls and hung aluminum foil wrapped ornaments on trees on the campus. It is really starting to look like Christmas at KCF, please send a card to the boys at: Kakabalika Child Foundation --Warren & Vicky Carr |
IT’S COMING DOWN, DOWN, DOWN
Dec 6th, 2010 It's December and quite a number of things start to heat up on the grounds of KCF. The first thing that comes to peoples mind is preparing for the Christmas Holidays. Even though very important, it is not the top three at KCF. Rain, Field preparation and school holiday heads our list. When December hits we are guaranteed rains, and this year is no exception, in fact, starting this weekend even to the point of writing this blog, it has been raining every day. If this is any indication of the season, we are in for a lot of rain. The dirt roads are now a thick gooey, muddy mess and all of the farmers are out planting their fields and making sure their maize beds against the rivers that run through the fields. Now that he boys are on holiday, a schedule is created for them, so that everyone gets life skills training in preventive maintenance (work). Their rough schedule is preventive maintenance in the mornings and sports, learning and entertainment in the afternoons. First, they will prep fields where other crops were planted by removing poles, wires and drip irrigation hoses. After the tractor plow and disk the area they will assist in making plant beds and plant the crop either direct seeds or seedlings. They will also help several times in weeding the area. The education team has to begin thinking on the boys that sat examinations, finding school places and organizing extra lessons for the ones now who will be in exam classes next year. Would you consider coming to help us during one of the school holiday: April, August and/or December or whenever you are available? The outside assistance is proving very successful to the boys as the center regularly is producing the top ten in classes where KCF boys attends. We give the praise and glory to God! --Warren & Vicky Carr |
