He made us Proud!

Mayben's speech at ribbon cutting

It is widely believed that many students graduate from Zambian schools without being literate.  I have no idea how this happens with advancement tests, etc. but it seems to be a common theme.  We are totally committed to making sure that does not happen in our schools.  Note the reference in the speech (below) to being "capable of writing, reading.."

That is one reason we were absolutely bursting with pride at the Ribbon-Cutting ceremony in Kasompe last month when Mayben, a newly promoted 5th grader, read the following speech with poise and ease.  I think his teachers helped him write the speech but he READ it all by himself.    Remember, this is his 3rd language, and the word "vulnerable" is not easy for anyone to say!  Just try it...

"The sponsors HealthEd Connect, members of the school board, the headteacher, teachers, my fellow pupils, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this school. First and foremost, I feel greatly honoured to be given this opportunity to stand before you this day.  The sponsors I thank you for the great things you have done for us here -- your support for this school has helped a lot of orphans and vulnerable to have access to education.  Please continue to sponsoring this school.

On behalf of my fellow pupils, we thank our sponsors in that the school has benefited us in many ways.  We are capable of writing, reading and communicate with people in English.

The sponsors, members of the school board, the teachers, my fellow pupils, ladies and gentlemen I am appreciating to our sponsors to continue supporting our school so that all orphans and vulnerables in this community may have access to education.  I would like also to thank sponsors for expanding our school by building more classrooms."

After Mayben's speech we were motivated to work even harder to support the Kasompe Community School of Peace!!

The crowd gathering awaiting the Ribbon-Cutting

New nearly completed Kasompe classrooms.