Update: January 2008
“We walked into a classroom of about 25 kids between 7 and 8 years old. We waked to the front of the class and the children jumped to their feet. There were three of us there from New Zealand. I asked if there were any borarders in the classroom. They grabbed the hand of a little girl who was slumped across the desk. They shook her arm and it became obvious she was fast asleep. The shaking of her arm jerked awake and she lurched into consciousness. There, right in front of her, were three white people and she totally freaked. Her mouth formed a soundless scream and she staggered behind the girl next to her and cowered on the seat. The whole classroom burst into laughter…. What do you do? That was our introduction to terrified little Joyce.
She is eight years old and is boarding at Nguluni School. Joyce has a very sad life story; one of rejection and abuse. One day, when Joyce was a little younger, her mother left the house to complete some jobs and never returned. Her location to this day is still a mystery; no one knows if her mother is alive. After her mother’s disappearance, Joyce’s father became her sole caregiver. Sadly, Joyce’s relationship with her father was marred by abuse; Joyce was abused by her father on several occasions.
After some time, Joyce sought help from her great grandmother but she did not want to care for her and brought her to the school to relegate this responsibility. No one is sure how much insight Joyce’s great grandmother has regarding the abuse that Joyce experienced from her father.
Joyce has just completed her first term at the school and is currently working at the level of standard two. We were told that Joyce seems to enjoy school and that she is treated reasonably well by the other children. However, it has been observed by workers at the school that Joyce has many deep hurts and issues that are yet to be resolved and as a result, she does not always relate well to other people.
She was unable to identify a favorite subject and had no hopes and dreams for the future to share with us. I will continue to remember the look of terror on her face and wonder at the deep trauma in her heart. I will pray she discovers Jesus at the school, in a way that will make it possible for her to be fully restored to emotional health.
Update: July 2007
Visit by Bright Hope Partner Manager Kevin Honore
“The parents are saying that the school is making a difference in the area. The children are more healthy, they are well educated and even the government officials are taking notice. Academically they are doing well. Last year they were recognized as the most improved school in the District.
The selling of water from the school site makes the local community very happy. The small clinic as well has established a lot of good will. Many other schools in the area are set up to make money. This school has a different emphasis, to produce good kids. They are taking in poor children and changing their lives.”
