THE JOAC SCHOOL REPORT AND XMAS WISHES 2 U!!!!

 

The kids on their first day of 3rd term

Greetings from Joy of a Child Ministry!

We are glad to report that our children came to the closure of their third term. We thank God for the good improvement in their perform ance-which is a result of good discipline noticed in them. Arafat and Afuusa were promoted to top class. There work was good and encouraging.Arafat was recommended for being social to his friends and enjoys playing football. Afuusa relates well with friends and enjoys both indoors and out door games. Afuusa’s writing has improved greatly. Please pray for them as they go to Top class next year.Shivan was promoted to primary two. Shivan cooperates well with others and she is a good girl at school.  Need to improve in her reading and writing next year.Joseph and Joshua were promoted to primary three. Joseph cooperates well with others, he can take care of himself and his performance is good though he needs to improve in Music and oral literature. Joshua is a well behaved boy though he needs to improve in his week subject like English, Literacy, local language and religious education. Keith was promoted to primary four. There was improvement in Keith’s performance this term though he needs to work on his weak subjects like English and Math. Absenteeism from school has affected Keith’s performance.Davin was promoted to primary five. He has also improved in his performance though much effort is needed in Mathematics.Ruth, Emmy, Brain, were promoted to primary six. Ruth’s performance was really encouraging and we praise God.  Emmy needs to improve in science and social studies. Brain has improved in his performance.Patrick and Junior were promoted to primary seven. Patrick’s performance was good . Junior needs to improve in all his subjects. Please pray for them since this will be their final year in the primary school. At the end of 2012 they will be sitting for the National Primary Leaving Examinations which will determine their entry to secondary school. Be praying for them.Shiba Naluyima will be finalizing her tailoring course though she needs to double her efforts. Pray for her.We extend our sincere appreciation to all our supporters for the generous giving throughout this year.

Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year 2012

David and Esther Kamanzi

Joy of a child  today

Joy of a child ministry is gaining ground here in the Western part of Uganda. Because of your prayer and support, overwhelming things have been happening, with people in the community, government bodies like the police recognizing the ministry`s work in this part of the country. A few months ago, we were called upon by the police to rescue a mother of triplets who was stuck on where to go after being abandoned by her husband. Today, Jacqueline and her kids have a place they call home. When the staff of JOAC shows up at local police stations, they are quickly recognized as the “the people that help children”. Wow! With this we are saying “EBENEZER” God has brought us this far.

Well, we just wanted to bring to you what has been going on at the JOAC ministry.

David an Esther on holiday:

David and Esther with one of the New Hope Senior Board members

David and Esther had a short holiday at New Hope Ministries in Luwero. New Hope is an organization based in central Uganda that takes care of children, and runs a number of schools in the area. Before starting the Joy of a Child ministry, David studied child care and family at the New Hope Institute. This time around they designated it as a place for their vacation. They went with their one year old son Daniel. At the vacation, they met the New Hope directors from whom they learn t a lot of things like how a ministry board functions. According to David, the vacation was a great time of rest and a self realization that always, after a long time of hard work, the body needs to rest. Esther has fond memories of the hospitality that they received at New Hope, she says it was a great refreshing moment for her. She also loved the family setting at New Hope where, whereas family parents don’t live in the same house with their ministry kids, they still sufficiently carry out their parental roles as they concentrate on other responsibilities such as managing their biological families.

Baby Daniel on his feet:

Daniel running around the house as his fans cheer

We celebrated his first birthday a month back, with goat roasting and a few drinks that were donated by JOAC friends. It was a great ceremony, but the main celebrant-Daniel, commonly known as “Jojo” could hardly maintain the few steps he would start. During the chilly evening, he was throwing a few steps then falling down, and then up on his feet again, for several countless times. He is a darling in the house, seeing him walk as he plays with his dolls brings joy to the JOAC family. He is the tinniest in the home and everyone, including little Afusa carries him around, sometimes mistakenly dropping him to the ground. Baby Jojo loves music, he plays the drum, he cant stand the sound of a guitar or a piano being played in the house. Music gets him up on his feet, and he has the best dancing groves ever. He has mastered his dancing moves which have become iconic in the house.

Asia gives her life to Christ:

Asia (second left) with her JOAC friends

In JOAC we reach out to people from different backgrounds, both Christians and non Christians. Asia has been struggling with her life and that of her little girl Shina. All along, she has been a JOAC beneficiary under the young women`s program. She has been  coming to the ministry for counseling, and sometimes material help for her and baby Shina whom she gave birth to at a very tender age. However, she had never committed her life to Christ during her contact with Joy of a Child, because of her Muslim background which she never wanted to let go. Today, we want you to celebrate with us, for the Lord has finally touched Asia. She recently confessed Christ Jesus and is now a brave girl that yearns to know more about the gospel of Christ and testify against the lies that she has been believing  in her past Muslim faith. Please continue praying that she stands strong in the Lord, and that God will enable and provide for her to back to primary school in order to secure a bright future for herself and daughter. You should also pray for her protection and that of her daughter, because, they have often been threatened by the Father to Shina. He is an irresponsible man that wants to forcefully take custody of Shina, yet he cannot really take care of her. And besides, Shina is too young to leave her mother now. She is only three years old and needs her mother more.

School holidays:

The kids will engage in programs such as this during their holiday

All the JOAC school going kids have been doing their end of year exams for the last one week. These exams will assess their capabilities to qualify for the next class(es) or not. We actually have confidence in all of them. During their monthly tests, most of them have been doing well and improving in their subjects of study. Ruth that just joined school this term is very impressive with her hard work at school. Through her test results, she has progressively proven to be an aspiring academic giant. Tomorrow the St Agnes primary school chaps (six Joac kids go to this school) will receive their last term report cards and begin their holidays. While the St Lawrence and St Aloysius chaps (two and three go to these schools respectively) receive their report cards and holidays on Friday next week. All our kids will have their holidays till the 5^th of February which will see us engage them in constructive holiday programs that will keep them at par with good spiritual, social, physical, and psychological progress.

Meanwhile, the other girls at the JOAC home have began to study English. They are being taught by Joseph (a JOAC volunteer).

Thank you for praying and supporting the JOAC ministry.

Coming up:

Holiday and Christmas program

Blog by: Joseph Ochwo (Communication Department)

HOME FOR MOTHER AND HER TRIPLETS

David handing over items to Jacqueline

 Paul cites in the book of Acts 20 how it is more blessed to give than receive.

A month back we ran a story about a mother of triplets who got abandoned by her husband of fourteen years after giving birth to triplets.  As a result, she embarked on a journey soliciting for help from Good Samaritans. Together with her oldest boy, Fred, as her baby sitting helper, they moved hundreds of kilometers to Mbarara where they lodged at a church for a couple of days. Upon going to police for help, the Local Police contacted Joy of a Child ministry for help. Because of insufficient space at the JOAC home, Jacqueline and her four children have been staying at a Muslim lady`s house, who by the grace of God accommodated and fed her for about a month beyond the seven days she had previously promised. This is because the house we had earlier identified for her accommodation was taken by someone else and besides, it was so expensive yet we needed to have a long term solution for her. We wanted her to start a small business to sustain her and her family, hence the long wait as we figured out things.

A month at Asiat`s house was not been easy for Jacqueline and kids. They have been battling sickness, and Jacqueline has been fighting anxiety and worry. This demanded much of our prayer and an effort to often visit her. Joseph and David often went to visit, encourage and draw plans on what she exactly wanted to do for a living. 

David, Asiat and Jacqueline doing shopping

Today we have good news for you. Because of those of you that prayed and those that gave financially, Jacqueline and her kids have finally got a home to stay. It has not been easy task getting her a house but we thank God that on Monday he directed us to a house that we rented for Jacqueline. We paid for two months in advance. The two roomed house will have Jacqueline and her kids use one room for accommodation and the other for running a business (most likely dealing in groceries).Yesterday as Joseph and David went to Jacqueline`s new home to help with her shopping, a smile had finally shown up on her face and there was less worry in her speech. “At least I have where me and my kids can sleep” she said, as her triplets shied away at the look of strangers that had come by to have a glimpse at the triplets (to some it was their first time to see triplets). There was a warm welcome from some of Catherine would-be neighbors. Two old ladies came thanking David and Joseph for doing such a good work of taking care of Jacqueline and her kids. Both of them said they will offer whatever they can to help Jacqueline. It was an amazing moment to see that these two elder ladies, who are undoubtedly living in abject poverty were willing to offer the little they can to see that Jacqueline and her kids are happy.

Well; Jacqueline, Joseph, David and Asiat then embarked on a two hour shopping for Jacqueline`s house hold items. We made sure that we minimize the expenditures as much as possible so that we save a reasonable amount for Jacqueline`s business. We bought one mattress, a mosquito net, food, and a few other house hold items. David and Joseph helped arrange Jacqueline`s room and helped her tie the mosquito net.

As we were about to leave, Jacqueline seemed emotional, probably trying to figure out how she will handle her new home alone. She begged us to always come and pay her a visit, something we shall of course always do.We have designated a period of about three weeks for Jacqueline to make a market survey for her business. We shall be monitoring the progress of her ideas and also provide any possible advice to see that Jacqueline comes up with an everlasting business idea that will sustain her family.

Please continue praying and supporting Jacqueline because there are many more needs pending as far as improving her living is concerned.

Joseph handing in items to Jacqueline

David arranging the mosquito net

                          A story of Small beginnings

A simple idea has grown into an unbelievable number such as this.

 The story of how the JOAC Kids` Church started may sound like a fairytale if not well perceived. It is so weird but true. One Sunday morning as everyone was preparing to go to Church, about 4km away from the JOAC Home, an idea just popped out of Auntie Jen, then a volunteer with JOAC. “Why don’t we have church here today” she said. Uncle David quickly replied, “Yes, we should have church here”. News quickly spread to the kids in the house, they excitedly embraced the news, some anxious of how church will be like at home. Without any wastage of time, they carried the few chairs in the living room out into the JOAC mango tree. A couple of boys grabbed pencils and papers, and they wrote something like “Welcome to Church” on the JOAC gate. Auntie Esther drove off to Nsikye to pick up the women she reaches out to for fellowship at JOAC. She found most of them already gone to their respective churches, the few that were around got into the car and in no minute were seated right under the JOAC Mango tree. The kids and most congregants were grinning their teeth, some probably thinking, “This is another joke”. But hey……the worship that was enjoyed that day was incredible. The JOAC kids led the entire program with one of them being the days` preacher and comically being called the “The Pastor of the day”. It was hard of an experience for all of them to lead worship, lead the program, and preach in the front of people, it was a time to break away the shyness, unexpressive hearts in them. Auntie Jen was the main preacher of the day; she shared a remarkable sermon that blessed everyone. This day is still memorable to the JOAC community for it fulfilled the scripture “where two or three are gathered, God is in their midst”. Indeed God was in our midst and he ministered to us a lot, the Kids testified of the goodness of the Lord in their lives.

Today the JOAC Kids` Church membership has grown into the unbelievable. It is hard to comprehend how what started as a family fellowship has grown into a big congregation that renders all the JOAC chairs insufficient. Last Sunday the number was so big that some stood up throughout the service as others sat on the ground. 

"The chairs are not enough so we can sit utilize the ground"

 Rehearsals for Sunday service have become an enthusiastic experience for the JOAC kids and members from the community, especially the college students. They come to JOAC, spend about three hours rehearsing worship, and dance, some even forget that it is time for dinner back at their College. Receiving visitors at Sunday has become a common scenario, with visitors sometimes coming from as far as Kampala and Bushenyi. Two weeks back we had the wife to the Nyamitanga village chairperson come to fellowship with us and shared with us the word of God. It was such a blessing to also hear her testimony of how God healed her from diabetes and high blood pressure through her constant prayer and fasting.

Last Sunday we were privileged to host Moses a Christian student leader from a High School in Bushenyi. He was also the day`s preacher, his youthful message excited the Kids and the youths in the congregation and blessed many lives. 

Moses (a Christian student Leader preaching) at the service

Another visitor was a local businessman who came to the Kids` church after hearing the morning worship at the JOAC compound. He and his younger brother had always gone to congregate at a church in Mbarara town which is quite a distance from their home. Last Sunday God directly led them to the JOAC kids’ church and they vowed to congregate with us every Sunday. The businessman also pledged 20 plastic chairs for the JOAC Kids` church. Another lady who visited from Kampala confessed of how she had lost all her money and business to a fake witch Doctor. She got convicted by the Holy Spirit to give her life Christ. Early the next morning she was at the JOAC house, asking to be led to Christ. Uncle David and Auntie Esther led her to Christ.

We don’t want to underestimate the good things that are happening here, we call them miracles instigated by only God, please join us in thanking, praising, and celebrating his power and grace.

By Joseph Ochwo

Joseph graduates, Sunday streams hope

Joseph and David after arriving for the graduation ceremony

Joseph (our volunteer in the communication department) graduated from Uganda Christian University with an Honors degree in Mass Communication on Saturday. Uncle David was one of the people together with Joseph`s family that attended his graduation ceremony in Kabale. It was an amazing and inspirational moment when the kids came to learn that Uncle Joseph had graduated from university. Most of them vowed to work very hard in their education to attain a university degree as they looked at Joseph`s graduation photos. Ruth the girl that just resumed her studies and was leading Sunday service, wished she was the one that had just graduated. “I wish I was the one that had just completed my studies like Uncle Joseph” she said.

 Sunday streams hope

In God there is a place to hide, a shelter that is a stream of hope to the hopeless, down-trodden, weak, and poor. Last Sunday`s worship at joy of a child was just that-it brought hope to the congregation. Worship was fantastic, led by the kids and Uncle David. There were three visitors one of whom came from Kampala and was the days` preacher. Harriet shared from Roman 8:28 (Everything happens for good to them that love God…………………..). There is nothing that triggers hope when we are in love and fellowship with God. For when anything happens in our lives, we look at it as an opportunity for God to manifest his glory in our lives and the lives of others. Sometimes when we go through tough situations, we tend to curse, regret, complain, and forget about God. But God requires us to know that he is with us in all situations, and he still knows us as his children. There is hope in Christ and thus we need to thank him for whatever situation that we are going through. The JOAC church members from around the community are bonding to the church than never before. They are slowly holding onto the grip of the church`s activities. For instance, the girls from the Nyamitanga Business and Secretarial Institute have got themselves involved in the Sunday worship. They last Sunday came for worship rehearsals, and are also very excited for next Sunday`s rehearsals, these always take place on Saturdays prior to Sunday worship. Natukunda Lillian the lady we talked about in the last blog, also attended church last Sunday with her two children. However, her situation has worsened, she got kicked out of the house she was previously staying in, and is now braving the cold in one of her village`s dilapidated church building. JOAC conducted a charity drive after Sunday service, asking church members to contribute anything they could towards her welfare. Their contribution was very little but significant. Some gave money, and others gave clothes. Remember most of our church members don’t really have enough for themselves but they were able to share the little they have. JOAC has become a stream of hope and love to Lillian and her kids. We are praying that our church continues to demonstrate love and give hope to the hopeless and hurting world.

THE JOY OF A CHILD WEEKEND

   A JOAC weekend day out at a public Swimming pool

Like all other weekends, last weekend was fun and a time of interaction with the kids and members of the Nyamitanga community. We always engage the kids in a time of relaxation and recreation to kick off their weekly stress of waking up very early and walking to and from school, and studying so hard. It is also vital to note that the kids always look forward to weekends, where they have so much time for themselves, their colleagues, family parents, the staff, and other members of the community. Here we bring you the weekend experience at the JOAC ministry:

Saturday

The excitement that fills up a JOAC weekend

Saturday is always the major day that ushers the kids into the weekend fun. The kids wake up to all sorts of curiosity of what will happen throughout their day. They of course have to do their house chores before anything else, they later have breakfast in which they engage conversations of how their week of school experiences. This Saturday the kids had a run with Aunt Esther, something they had taken quite long without. They jogged around the JOAC spacious compound for about 30 minutes before doing an athlete’s competition in which Emmy took the first lead. Later that evening the kids did their worshiping and dancing rehearsals for the next day`s Sunday service.

Sunday

Natukunda (2nd left)with her two boys and Cousin Sister after the service

Sunday is always a great day that the kids participate in. They lead the service, lead worship, do the dancing, and one of them shares in the Sunday school before the day`s preacher. Last Sunday some of the boys went to minister at Day-star cathedral in Mbarara town. Clad in their iconic ‘police’ T-shirts and blue jeans, they excitedly set off for ministry early morning before the JOAC service. It was quite hard for the service to go on without them as most of them that lead the service and worship had gone away to Day-star cathedral. But God filled the vacuum with Uncle David leading the service and also most of the worship. The church is steadily growing with mostly youthful members from the Nyamitanga Business and Secretarial Institute. The church also receives visitors every Sunday. Last Sunday we received a young woman who came with her two little boys. Natukunda as she is called shared with us her horrible story of how she was sexually abused by a man while in her teenage. She ended up having 3 children with him. The man has of recent left her alone with the kids. Amazingly, Natukunda has in God, she knows and acknowledges that it is God that is seeing her through these tough moments, and that God will take care of the rest.

Joseph Stressing a Point during his Sharing

Uncle Joseph shared in the main service about “compromise” which he blended with his testing moments at university. He shared through giving examples of the biblical Joseph and Daniel who never compromised their faith. He also cited people like Samson who compromised their faith and ended up badly. Joseph`s testimony focused on standing by his faith even where his fellow classmates couldn’t. For example, everyone in his class would cheat for an exam and he wouldn’t because of his faith, his classmates would in turn insult him and call him stupid for not engaging in the practice. Joseph was rewarded by God for not compromising his faith. He is graduating with an honor`s degree on Saturday. He scored very good grades topping his class. The Sunday message was inspiring and encouraging to mostly the youths who attend our church.

After the service, everyone went for lunch and came back to celebrate one of the church members` birthday. Clare turned 19 and the whole church was there to celebrate her day. Everyone wrote sweet words which were presented to her. A cake was made for her, and everyone got treated to a soda. Dancing was the peak of the moment before Clare and her friends went back to their college for further celebrations.

Birthday girl, Clare (left) with a friend from her college

Members attentively following the birthday program

Clare prepares to cut her cake with the help of Aunt Esther

Clare`s college friends dancing the day away

Blog by Joseph Ochwo

THE 5K RACE & WHAT GOD IS DOING AT JOAC

Dear friends,

On behalf of the Board Joy of a Child Uganda, we greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We wish to introduce to you the 5k race and also call for your contribution through participation. The aim of the race is to raise funds for the Joy of a Child ministry in Uganda. Your participation and contribution will provide food to a starving child in Uganda will educate a child, help save a generation from the ugly poverty and generally enhance a child`s spiritual, mental, physical, and social growth. Please register and read more about the 5k race by clicking here: http://joyofachild.net/5kevent.html 

You can also have a look at what the Lord is doing at JOAC in the details below:

About Joy of a Child Ministry:

Joy of a child (JOAC) is a Christ driven ministry based in the south western Uganda town of Mbarara, with over 83,000 people. The ministry is reaching out to some of the world`s poorest children through the love of Christ, by providing a home, education, love and care of the heavenly father to the down trodden kids of this society. Most of who have been victims to poverty, disease, violence, guilt, rape, and societal neglect.  JOAC strives to meet the holistic needs of these children; spiritually, socially, physically, and psychologically. Some other beneficiaries to this ministry are young girls who are currently involved (or recently left) commercially sexual exploitative situations that they have been forced to, by their own parents or the pressures of living.

Below is a description of some of the activities/departments that are involved in the JOAC ministry:

The Child Care Department

As mentioned in the above introduction, Joy of a Child is home to about 13 children living under one roof, 6 girls and 7 boys including Shiba who in spite of currently living with her Mum, is directly part of the home and comes in at anytime she wishes. The child care program does not only provide a bed, food, and shelter, but its paramount aim is to provide a constant flow of love and care to all the children in the house. This is instigated through the fatherly figure played by David and the motherly figure played by Esther. They are both figures that hold the kids’ behaviors, growth, and responsibilities accountable. They have over the time seen a connection of heart develop between them and the kids, giving them a security that they never had before. Through them, God is steadily blessing the kids with love, security, and care amidst the many challenges that come with parenting such a big number of kids. David and Esther thank God for the blessing that has come with the Uganda board, who have been their advisors, prayer partners, co-decision makers in the ministry and mostly in the challenging moments of ministry.  They testify that such challenges have been learning opportunities to them.

The Education department

We thank God for education, for it is the backbone to not only society, but also a child`s development. Almost all the JOAC kids attend school, except for a few. And this has come as a blessing to give the kids a future and hope. Two are in their middle class of Kindergarten, Shiba is in Tertiary doing a tailoring course, and the rest are in Primary school. Their academic performance has been fair as some are academically sounder than the others. They are all in their third term of school which determines whether they will be promoted to the next class or be demoted. We thank you our partners for your constant prayer and support towards the kids` education, and please continue praying for their academic excellence.

Outreach program

The JOAC outreaches are conducted during the kids` holidays from school and also weekends when they are all available. Last holiday we held a gospel crusade with the kids in a nearby trading centre, and a number of people gave their lives to Christ. The kids have been ministering in different churches, conferences, and seminars through music, dance, and drama.

Extension program

JOAC has seen God change lives through its extension program. This involves the beneficiaries to the ministry who leave outside the JOAC home mostly the young women who are always reached out to on weekends by Esther or sometimes come to the JOAC home for counseling. Brian is also on the extension where his education and spiritual life is being supported and monitored. 

The JOAC Church

The church is now about 3 months old and has seen a steady growth, with members from around the community. The church has impacted the community spiritually and also the lives of its members given the testimonies that come about every Sunday. There is generally something happening in the spiritual ream of this Muslim dominated community through the church. Below is a video of one of our earliest church Services:

God bless you,

The Board Joy of a Child Uganda

The JOAC weekend

A lot of activity went on this weekend!

On Saturday the kids did their house chores as usual, had their breakfast and later kicked for games in the spacious JOAC compound. This always helps them to put off the stress gained during a week of school. Later in the evening some of the boys under the “Hot Steppers” dancing group attended a conference at Nyamitanga Resort where they got an opportunity to do ministry, they did what they do best-danced. In their iconic T-shirts dubbed “Police”, the kids zealously trekked the 10 minutes` walk to the Resort where the conference was being held. They performed in the midst of the congregation that had filled the resort`s conference Hall to capacity, receiving cheers for their amazing dancing strokes. One thing that we thank God for is the confidence that the boys have gained towards ministry, they bravely face the crowd and do what they are meant to do-serve God in dancing, they passionately dancing.

In the night the kids rehearsed for Sunday`s worship, they did a couple of songs, identifying a worship leader for each song before retiring to sleep.

Sunday was tricky because it had rained a lot in the night. The rains had mudded the grounds of the mango tree that shelters the JOAC church. More still, a few members from outside the JOAC home attended the service, most probably because of the heavy down pour. This time around, only one outsider, who was attending the church for her very first time attended. Rains always disrupt many activities here because of poor roads. Though challenging, the rains (and this being a rainy season), Identifies a need for a tent that will provide shelter for the JOAC kids` church.

The worship was amazingly okay, with Joseph playing his acoustic guitar and Kanan playing the local drum, as the rest of the kids and the congregation joined in the worship. The kids enthusiastically testified about the good things that God has done for them throughout the week, and Conrad Junior one of the kids shared a sermon from Psalm 119:105 during the Sunday school session. Uncle David shared in the main service about “the power of the tongue” he took the congregation through the book of Genesis 1 and 3. He later announced a week of reading and studying the book of Genesis. All the kids and staff are expected to participate in this.

By Joseph Ochwo

The JOAC Report

Kids end their Month Long holiday

Some of the kids going for their first day of school

Last Monday marked the beginning of the third term of school for the JOAC kids this year. They for the last one month enjoyed their holiday with the JOAC holiday program. Though not fully executed due to some setbacks, the program served its purpose well. Its major purpose was to engage the kids in activities that would develop them physically, mentally, and spiritually. When asked about how his holiday went, Davin (one of the older kids) enthusiastically answered, “perfect!”  Not only did the kids have enough time for themselves but also for ministry, their colleagues, and the community at large. With the two days` open air evangelism held at Nsikye market, the kids danced, played games with kids from the community, testified about how God has changed their lives, danced, and sang praises to God.  They also attended a teens` conference at one of the churches in Mbarara where they ministered in dancing, and singing. Not only did they bless their teenage colleagues but they were also ministered to through the word of God that came from different guest speakers at the conference and the ministry from other teenagers from around Mbarara. During their holidays, the kids also got involved in doing African crafts; they made soccer balls out of banana fibers among other crafts. These are being sold at Esther`s crafts shop, the income from this is used to meet some of the needs at the JOAC home. Ruth one of the girls has been enrolled in Aloysius Primary School for Primary Five, her classes commenced on Monday and she is all excited about being in school again, making new friends, and pursuing her dream of becoming a Nurse.  

Kids` academic performance:

This time around we bring you the kids` performance, this is meant to give you an idea on how to best pray for each kid’s education and future. A number of them have got the privilege of going to school. Two are in Kindergarten, seven are in primary level, and one is in tertiary.

ALafat Turibamwe:

Alafat is 6 years old and in middle class at St Agnes School. In his last term school report, the teachers describe him as a social, loves sharing with others, and listening. He is a sports kid who enjoys climbing ladders, running around, and playing soccer.  He can read three letter words draw pictures and name them, and he has a great handwriting.

Afusa Kansangye:

Afusa is 5 years old; she is in middle class at St Agnes School. In her academic report, the teachers describe her performance as good. She is musical, loves singing, dancing, and teaching her colleagues how to dance. Afusa is also very artistic; she loves drawing, painting, and shading pictures.

Shivan Kamanzi:

Shivan is 6 years old; she is in primary one at St Agnes School. Her academic report describes her as disciplined, freely expresses herself, and loves cooperating with others. Shivan is very good at reading, English, art and craft, Music, and doing physical exercises. She took on a position of 28^th out of 44 pupils in her class.

Joseph Kwikiriza:

Joseph is 8 years old; he is in Primary two at St Agnes School. In his academic report, the teachers describe him as disciplined, good at expressing himself, cooperating with others, and personal responsibility. Joseph took a position of 10^th out of 58 pupils in his class.

Joshua Mpumwire:

Joshua is 10 years old; he is a Primary two pupil at St Agnes. His academic report describes him as a disciplined boy. He loves helping out others, and is good at playing Soccer. Joshua was the 37^th out of 58 pupils in his class, thus a concerned need from his teachers to improve on his academic progress.

Keith Akandwanaho:

Keith is 10 years old; he is a primary six pupil at St Lawrence Primary School. His academic report indicates that he is good at agriculture. With a position of 13^th out of 30 pupils in his class, Keith needs to improve his effort on weak subjects such as, English, Religious Studies, and Science which he performed poorly. He also needs to improve on his punctuality, because he reports for classes late (this is because Keith`s school is far from home, he has to always come back home for lunch, if he were to pay for lunch at school like his friends, he would be pretty punctual).

Davin Tinyefunza:

Davin is 14 years old; he is a primary four pupil at St Agnes. He is fairly good at Science and Social Studies. However, he needs to improve on his English, and Mathematics which have been cited as his weakest areas of performance according to his academic report.

Emmy Arinaitwe:

Emmy is 13 years old. He is a primary five pupil at St Lawrence Primary School. In his academic report, Emmy`s strength is shown in Mathematics, where he scores a fairly good mark. However, he needs to improve in the rest of the subjects. Emmy was in the 17^th position out of 48 pupils.

Patrick Rwendire:

Patrick is 14 years old. He is a primary six pupil at St Lawrence Primary School. In his academic report, his academic muscle is shown in science and social studies. However, he needs to improve in English and Mathematics. Patrick was the 10^th out of 34 pupils.

Naluyima Naswiba (Shiba):

Shiba is one of the girls on the JOAC extension program. She stays with her 2 year old baby boy at her drunken mother`s place, a few minutes’ walk from the JOAC home. She is now pursuing a course in tailoring. However, her education has suffered due to the hard differences she holds with her mother. She expects her to work for money to cater for the family food and rent. It is very challenging to her in that it has affected her studies a great deal. Her last term`s academic report indicates a general poor performance which needs improvement. The report indicates that she does not regularly attend classes. Shiba needs prayers from you (the reader). If she successfully pursues her education, it will definitely change the face of her living, and probably that of her family, it will bring hope.

Mbikize Conrad (Junior):

Conrad is 13 years old. He is a primary six pupil at St Aloysius primary school. His academic report indicates that he is a well behaved boy. However, his academic performance is poor and needs improvement. He only managed to do English fairly, but all the other subjects of his study were poorly performed.

P.S:

There are other girls like Molleen and Kakuru in the house who are not in school, but still believe God for an opportunity to get into school. We also believe God to provide for the schooling of other kids on our extension program. These stay with relatives or friends. If a door opens, they will be put into school.

By Joseph Ochwo

(JOAC Communication department)