We had the opportunity to meet with two high schools. Each experience was very unique and heart breaking, making us realize what we really have. Like we said, there were several teachers with our group, and we met with teachers from the first high school. Dr. Kasali and Honore (UCBC's Dean) helped us to communicate with these teachers, discussing the joys and struggles of teaching in U.S. v Congo. In Congo, the citizens do not pay taxes, therefore making funding for schools come from the parents. Families pay $65 per year per child, which is a lot for them. The teachers do not have ANY materials to teach, making all learning a theoretical experience. No text books, no maps, pictures, and the kids sit on makeshift desks and write notes all day long. As you can see, these teachers feel frustrated and burned out, because they have nothing to work with.
Our second experience really touched my heart. This school was built specially for those kids who have been outcasts, prostitutes, and child soldiers. We heard three girl's testimonies of having children at early ages, not having families or being rejected for getting pregnant out of wedlock. Again, the kids have to pay the fees, but they are taught that their lives are worth so much more. The women of our group spoke to a smaller portion of the girls, trying to offer any hope and peace from God, telling them that their stories are not finished yet, that God loves them no matter. We all prayed with them and their teachers. My heart was overjoyed to look down as we were praying and thank God for the three beautiful dark hands that were in my own. They really are a beautiful creation, no matter what mess is in their lives! Krista presented the teachers with a simple map for a wall, and they melted. What an amazing experience. It's so sad to think we have the same problems of child prostitution in our own cities. It's time for us to take a stand here, too, don't you think?
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