I was so excited and grateful to visit Mt Hope this year! I worked with them for the month of September in 2023, so there was much joy in hugging my friends, seeing the kids and taking a tour of the school to see all the improvements. I have been watching the updates on facebook, but being able to see them in person is such a blessing!
Let's start with the first picture of Jean Claude standing in front of classrooms that are being built. They are still a work in progress and will give the school the space they need so all the classes have their own classroom.
As you enter the beautiful gate they have sinks for handwashing, the offices and a very nice flag pole.
We were shown the offices first. Director Michelline and Head Teacher Winifred showed us their offices. Head Teacher Winifred is sitting next to me, my friend Pastor Jean Baptiste came to visit with me, and Director Michelline is sitting on the end!
Next, Founder and lawyer Jean Claude showed us his office. Mt Hope's story, their values and 10 year plan are on the walls.
Jean Claude also explained how the legal services works for their children. They are the only school in Rwanda that offer legal services for children. Seeing how they care deeply for their kids, to ensure and take action that the kid's homelife is stable, is so beautiful to see!
Something new is their library! I love libraries and I was very glad to see it stocked with so many books. They told us the kids enjoy story time as they have books read to them. The children also enjoy the picture books and coming up with the story themselves!
As we walked to the back of the property, I saw that there are sinks at the bathrooms now! The steps at the sinks can be moved easily as the kids get bigger so access to handwashing is easy.
The kitchen also has sinks that will be hooked up soon!
Then we were taken to an exciting door.
It leads to the playground!!!!
Seeing this answer to prayer was amazing! And look at that view! It was great hearing how much the children enjoy the playground.
When it is recess time, half the students play on the playground while the other half is led in exercises by the new Sports Teacher and Taekwondo Master Jean Claude.
Next, we were taken behind the playground and this is where the teachers live. They used to live down the hill and had a long walk through mud when it was raining or in the hot sun. Now they are just one minute away, a huge blessing!
We headed back to the school to greet the kids! We saw the Middle Class who's teacher is Laurah.
Pastor Jean Baptiste taught them a new song about loving Jesus, and we even sang it in Swahili.
Next, we saw the youngest class. Teacher Ann and Assistant Teacher Ruth were busy helping them with crafts!
Next, was Physical Exercise/Talent Devolvement time. Some of the kids take part in Taekwondo led by Sports Teacher and Taekwondo Master Jean Claude. The students listened well and did a great job as they showed us their taekwondo skills!
The other students take part in Traditional Dance led by middle class Teacher Assistant Clementine.
They are so cute to watch and they do a great job dancing!
We got caught in a rain shower afterwards!
As you exit, they have this system to see how the students are feeling. The students point to the picture on how they would like to say good-bye. Either a handshake, hug, fist bump or high five.
We were blessed to have a meal with the staff and as we ate we got to know each other and share in laughter!
Afterwards, we took plenty of pictures!
It is such a blessing to see how much has been done in one year! I look forward with great expectation to see what all God does at Mt Hope Christian Academy in the coming years!
If you would like to help Mt Hope there is a fundraiser going on to buy goats for the 25 new students and their families. You can give by going to the link of GoFundMe:
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