This week we are in Addis for a home schooling weekend conference followed by a week of standard testing for the girls to see if they are keeping up with their peers at their appropriate grade levels.One of the exciting developments is our "Big Brother/Sister" program. We have been working with the University Christian Fellowship this past year to get them involved in reaching some of the many thousands of street kids in Bahir Dar. They officially started their program with the core leadership group running a trial program to learn from it.
They are excited about the results as they are already seeing lifestyle changes in some of their "little brothers". Some are studying diligently under the street lamps at night. Others are recognizing the importance of hygiene and are making an effort to improve their sanitation and hygiene. The university students are also enjoying taking the kids on special outings for swimming and are looking after essential needs such as shoes and medical attention. They are beginning to expand the program this week to bring other university students on board. The last two Friday's I was invited to speak to the core group of university students about getting involved. It was well received and hopefully will see many get involved. It provides an opportunity for the students to get involved with the lives and homes in the community.Sue is continuing to work with "the Sisters". She is visiting the local hotels and trying to get their interest in carrying deserts on the menu which she wants to train the x-prostitutes to develop into a business. We are also in the research stages of developing an outlet for Dairy products such as pasteurized milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice-cream. None of these items are currently available in Bahir Dar and we think there is a market for them among the hotels, tourists and foreigners living in the city. She is also developing small group Bible studies with the girls.
The computers continue to be a challenge. I brought one with me when I came back from Canada and a data projector. However, with three sitting at a computer it still takes three weeks to cycle through a class once. I have 8 classes with 400 plus students with only 6 computers. If you want to send out work groups and each person carry a lap top in let me know.
We've recently started an Alpha program, together with another Christian family, for foreigners living in Bahir Dar. This program is a small group discussion on the big questions of life. There are a number of foreigners living in Bahir Dar and we hope this will be a good opportunity for their involvement.
Around $6,000 has been donated from the memorial gifts given in memory of my father. This will be used towards the multipurpose youth, education and worship centre in Bahir Dar. While I am in Addis this week I will be looking for an appropriate block making machine.
