New School Year

Here in Uganda, the new school year started in the beginning of February.

At The Shepherd Center we have been busy buying and distributing school supplies, replacing old uniforms, looking for new black shoes, and much more.

Some boys who had spent the long holiday with their families have come back to live on campus at TSC during the school term.  Early mornings and after-school homework routines are back in place.

We have started paying school fees for some of the boys, and are thankful for schools that are patient with us as we wait for the funds to arrive to pay for others.

This year we made a big decision for some of our high school boys.

These five boys are now studying from a boarding school.  All of them had been living with their families, rather than at The Shepherd Center.  However, they were often finding it a bit difficult.  Sometimes they didn’t have enough food at home, which became an excuse for frequent absences from school.  Plus, some of them don’t have electricity at home, which makes it hard for them to study in the evenings, resulting in performing below their potential.  When the staff considered these things, as well as some other factors, we decided that boarding school would be a better option for them.

Boarding schools are very common in Uganda.  In fact, most high schools students are boarders, not to mention very many primary children as well.  We realized that in a boarding school, our boys would have regular meals and access to electricity.  Additionally, they would be in a more controlled environment to help them develop some discipline, especially in academics.

Before taking them to school, TSC’s Director, Patrick, prayed over them, along with some other staff members.

Upon arriving at school, the boys were warmly welcomed.  As staff members met with the Head Master in his office, the boys were meeting some teachers outside.  We came out of the office to find that one particular teacher had made a serious effort to learn all of their names and even a little bit about them.  We were encouraged to find the school’s staff so happy to receive our boys, and with a desire to see them grow in their faith in Christ while at school.

Please join us in praying for Junior, Henry, Joel, Denis, and Ambrose as they start this new chapter in their education.  Also be praying that God provides a sponsor for each one of them.