NHA School News

Mako Mansaray has from time to time given us a report on our NHA School and he has decided to introduce us to the life of individual students.   Today we meet Kumba Zeneme




By Mako Mansaray:


Education always plays a major role in the lives of children. The 11years long civil conflict in Sierra Leone contributed to holistic devastation of both the social and educational structure of the country which in turn made its children vulnerable, and jeopardizes the future of these children debarring them from their basic rights of formal education and psychological development.

There are still some communities where children do not have proper school infrastructure which and is preventing the delivery of quality education.

At Nazareth House Apostolate school in Kabala, there is a girl student by the name of Kumba Zeneme.  Born to a family were her late father had three wives and her mother's only source of livelihood is through a back yard garden to support and take care of her  children.





  Mother Yaneh, as she is called, has four children three boys, and Kumba is the only girl child.

In Kabala most of the girl children are not allowed to go to school, only boys are allowed to go to school.
Other girls including Kumba stay in the house doing domestic work. Now, things have changed for  Kumba and her three brothers, for three years now, they are attending NHA School in Kabala free of cost with Uniforms, shoes, and other learning materials provided for them through your donations and supports.



She is very much happy now in school with her friends.







For us at NHA School, we believed that Education is the best gift you can give a child.








If we give more support and helping hands to the work of NHA out here in Kabala, more children can benefit form our education programme, as education is the key to success for every child.  Educating our youth also builds the future of an entire community.


Thanks to our supporters, and the good work of NHA.


Blessings,
Mako 

Rewinding, Let's start 2010 all over again...

Nazareth House Apostolate thanks you for your continued prayers during a difficult time. As James struggles to recover and NHA struggles to acquire a new building to house our staff and supplies, we ask your support in prayer, in compassion and financially.

While James recuperates from the injuries sustained in the vehicle accident injuries, let's rewind back to a happier time. A time of tradition, family, friendship and love.

The Kabala Traditional...

ANNUAL NEW YEAR HILL #2 CLIMB

Written by James Mansaray: 1 January 2010

On December 31st, the last day of the year it is a day celebrated differently by so many, but for most of us, the Church is the right place to be. Hearing the last bell tolls are believed to be signs of new life, more prospect and long life and health in the new born year.

Traditionally, so it is here in Sierra Leone. In Kabala, it is seen differently.

Every person making the loudest request as if God

was far away. Being in Pa Foday’s little

Church at Ismaia Road that cold evening was like nothing else. A huge pot of black

coffee boiling and waits to heat up the thirsty cold tongues of the peaceful villagers.

I mean this coffee was really hot! and hard to drink but people kept going for

more and more.

What a life,

so simple and peaceful.

Few hours later, day light is here

and we are set to make

the traditional visit to Hill # 2

which is situated right in the far end of town.

A beautiful mountain designed by The Creator. You cant tell how it is like till you try it.

Hiking up it is the only way. Far different from the lousy beach scene with fancy cars, loud music and revealing dancing and stuffs that you see at Freetown beaches,etc.

This is all God-made land meant

to be manually trekked on, physical work out without electronic gadget help.

I sometimes wonder who first came up with this idea but I was born meeting this yearly occasion meant only for the able and

physically fit to climb. It is all about going up there,

meeting friends,

eating together and then returning back down the mountain.

The pains behind it

are far less

than the fun

of getting there.

As soon as you get there you easily forget what you’re sore muscles gone through.

Most inhabitants in Kabala

will tell you that they are doing it for fun

and a way of welcoming the new year in our Kabala way.

Others especially first timers, will tell you that they have heard about it and want to make a try. White folks, mostly those that call themselves "missionaries", and tourists will tell you that they are doing it because it is the best place to be in Sierra Leone on New Years Day and that Kabala people

are so hospitable and welcoming.

This is very true.

This day you see all putting on their best clothes,

eat a lot of chicken,

and meeting friends and family members who they may not have seen for a long time.

Nothing can stop you from making this hike

until you become too old enough to make the climb,

but this is always passed on from

generation to generation.

Education begins early

In Sierra Leone, Education is important but not always available to everyone. This is unfortunate. Nazareth House is striving to give the gift of education to as many as possible. We have a long long way to go, but we have accomplished many steps forward on this matter. The school in Kabala is functioning and I have reports this morning that the children are in the middle of exams.

In Freetown, schools are available to those who can pay the high fees. God's generosity, through you, has provided many students in Freetown with education. We have provided education at all levels including early pre-school, as well as elementary, high school and college.

In a climate such as it is in 3rd World Countries, it is important to begin the formal education early as possible. You never know when the chance for learning will be interrupted or unavailable. Therefore, Little Roo has begun his pre-school education complete with uniform and bag of popcorn for lunch. Isn't he adorable? Thanks to all of you that contribute to NHA to help bring brighter futures to several in Sierra Leone. Thank you for believing Education is important. Without it, there is little hope for the people of Sierra Leone to better their life. Please continue your support to keep them in school and benefit those who only dream of going to school.


The above Poster was designed by Aleica Willis: LizzyThomasPhotography for NHA.

Everyone joins in to make the uniform material for the NHA Kabala Students

Lucy spreads the newly tye-dyed material out to dry, Roo cheers everyone on, while the dog Simba shows off his newly dyed feet!....and so does Kadijah - poor lady - her entire body seems to be covered in blue!

This is the way it works at St. Laurence House, everyone pitches in to do their part. While everyone was dealing with the uniforms - Ann Marie was doing the regular household chores, including feeding the hungry workers lunch. A tremendous thank you to James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie, Roo and Simba and especially Foday for all the help in making the school a reality.

If we can only collect the money for the remaining students to have uniforms in the next few days (We need them for about 95 more students) we will have accomplished a miracle. Your Nazareth House is doing a lot these days - we have the worm medications in our possession ready to be delivered on our next mission trip, the school building is almost complete, the uniforms are being prepared...a lot is going on. Our current tasks are to raise funds for the rest of the uniforms and to get the air fare & needs money to enable us to deliver the medical supplies to Sierra Leone. Keep spreading the word - involve everyone you can.

Lucy & Ann Marie Graduate into High School

Ann Marie Parker and Lucy Mansaray, daughters of James and Kadijah Mansaray graduated from the elementary school they attend in Freetown, with honors. They will begin higher education next semester. The celebration of their graduation included dancing, singing and awards received by both girls. The above pictures allow us to join in on the celebrations. We are so proud of these two girls -Lucy wants to become an accountant and Ann Marie, a lawyer. We can certainly use both of these professions in the work of Nazareth House in Sierra Leone.

Roo, as you can see in the photos, is a bit cranky. Unfortunately, he is suffering with a case of internal parasites, i.e. worms. We have sent pumpkin seeds and are seeking help to find adequate pharmaceutical to also send to him.