A reason to Celebrate!

Abdu brought the boys to visit the land

It has always been our hope that Rock of Ages school would someday own land. Last week the school, with support from our generous donors and hard work by our board of directors the school purchased our first parcel. It took us almost five years to raise enough money to do this. The school is currently on rented property and we have 5 years left on our current lease there. This gives us lots of time to build and develop the property. In the meantime, some of the land will be used to grow food for the school. 

Our land is perfectly situated...close to the current school and still in the village of Mbiko. With God's help we will purchase the rest on the next few months. The land is titled (a big win in Uganda) and has access to electricity and water. It will help the school both grow and sustain itself for the coming years. What joyous occasion!

Jack Fruit

Jolly Phonics- Let's have some fun!

Today  the teachers started their training in Jolly Phonics.  Pioneered in the UK,  Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centered approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for both children and teachers, who can see their students learn. This approach to teaching reading and writing will be one more tool for the ROA teachers.

This is far from the standard approach of rote recitation and memorization that is so prevalent in African schools.  It is exciting to watch Betty  introduce and  teach new education techniques to her teachers with the goal of improving student achievements.

Here are some pictures from today's training. It looks like the teachers are having fun!

Rock of Ages Term Starts

Starting a new term

On  August 31 the third  and final term of the year started at Rock of Ages School. In Uganda, the school year starts in January and is broken up into three separate terms.

As this term starts, Betty writes the following:

" At the end of the last school term we held a program for all the parents where we encouraged them to be more active in supporting their children's education. We thank God that some parents have responded positively to the message.

Teachers are working harder with the uniform handwriting in all classes, they have started with painting there chalkboards and designing. I have noticed some improvements in both teachers and children handwriting while doing my supervision.

Teachers painting  black board

And this Friday we are hosting another teacher from Kampala to help with the start of our Jolly phonics program. This training is also going to help both teachers and children.

On the behalf of Rock of Ages, I would like to thank all our dear donors for supporting ,praying, loving these children.  Eight years down the road, I have seen  differences in the lives of children ,parents and the community. Thank you all for that big heart."  Betty Wasswa

Note: Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centered approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their students achievements.

 Our board member, Gabe Flicker,  who recently retired as the long time executive director of Grace Pocatello School commented, " The Jolly Phonics is unique and is a good fit for our (ROA) type of school. Lots of recitation (not used in US )but used a ton in Africa).   Lots of activities, songs, fun. Its good to see our teachers having a scope and sequence and something to teach rather than teaching from just  their own lessons.

The kids and parents