All In A Day’s Work
NCRS Nursery Class
Now in my eleventh day here in Mokokchung, Nagaland I have switched “hats” to fulfill my assignments for Hope For Change International.
I will be evaluating the progress and needs of Nagaland Children’s Residential School (NCRS) located here in Mokokchung. The school, which was begun in 1996, launched a new program for young children when the school year began in February, 2012. Because of their desire to provide education and English literacy to the children of the town they have inaugurated a “Nursery Class” for two and three-year old children. Seven chosen ones make up the first class. These are privileged children because they are learning English at such a young age which will be their gateway to a vast array of educational/career opportunities as they mature.
My next blog will focus on some of the older children’s stories telling us just how important attending and “English School” is here in the Northeast of India.
Hope for Change International supporters make these dreams come true for the young people enrolled at NCRS. Thank you!
Partial Staff Members @NCRS
Where in the World is Nagaland
Wedged between Bhutan and Myanmar
Most people that I meet and mention Nagaland to have never heard of it before and I had not either until 1984. In that year I met Chuba Ao who was visiting the USA from Nagaland. Our meeting then prepared the way for where I am today – in Mokokchung, Nagaland.
As you can see from the map insert, Nagaland is a neighbor to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Four airplane flights and an eight-hour vehicle journey were required to get me here. Whew! The journey was challenging and a test of my endurance since I do not sleep on airplanes but now that I am here I can say, “It was worth all the effort!”
Future blog posts will let you know why I am here but for now I just want to say “thank you” to all who are following my travel with prayer and supportive thoughts.
Sarah
Against All Odds
Once again I found myself walking through the garbage dump community known as “Smokey Mountain”. This is a newer version of the one I first visited 22 years ago. I’ve gotten used to the sites and smells after so many years of visiting here, but one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how some of these people can overcome in their circumstances.
I met Myline, a young girl who will be in her 3rd year of high school. I joined a small group of high schoolers who were having a discussion with the local staff. They went around the room asking questions and talked about whatever came up. When it came to Myline’s turn, she asked a very profound question…..”why does God allow suffering in this world?” She also shared how hard it was for her in her home. She’s treated badly, not to mention the conditions they live in.
She asked the question and looked at me for an answer……wow….how could I possibly answer this question? I mean, I’ll be flying home to my nice comfortable home to be with my loving family with plenty of food to eat. She will be here living in a garbage dump just trying to get through each day.
I was honest with her and told her that her question is one that has been asked for thousands of years and I didn’t feel qualified to answer it, but I did say that there are people in this world who do care about the fact that there is suffering and are determined to help make a change. I tried encouraged her and tell her that there are people in her life that love her and want to help her, and more importantly, I believe there is a God who loves her and cares for her.
Myline is one of those amazing people that have inspired me here for more than 20 years. Despite her horrible living conditions, her mistreatment at home and her daily struggle to survive, she is excelling in her schooling. She will finish this year at the top of her class! It’s amazing….if only you could see where she lives and her surroundings.
I found out that she was one of the students without a sponsor, but I’m happy to report that a few hours later, someone responded and has decided to sponsor her education. We take so many things for granted each day, things that are life changing for the poor. Thank you all for your support and taking time to care!
Myline is the girl in the front with the pink shirt making the heart sign.
Update On Regina Grace
Last year was Regina’s first year in the Sponsorship Program. It was my first meeting with her that I wrote about (you can search the archives for the blog). She is finishing her 3rd year of high school and I’m happy to report she is doing great! What a joy for me to have her run and give me a big hug when I arrived at her home. Her aunt was proud to have me see her report card…which was very impressive.
Although she is still very shy, she is starting to blossom in so many ways. Thanks to her sponsor back in the U.S. we were able to again take her out and get some things she needed, including new black shoes for school and more school supplies. This time, instead of the girl who felt she didn’t deserve to receive anything, she was excited and we had a great time shopping and having dinner, along with the local staff here.
During our visit, we discovered that Regina does not have a birth certificate….no legal papers at all. She was born at home, and if you read her story you’ll know how she was abandoned to live with her aunt. This is a problem, especially since this coming school year is her 4th year and she will have to begin the application process for college, without her birth certificate she will not be able to apply. So, we discussed the situation with her aunt and she is willing to take her to the area where she was born and do the paper work to get her birth certificate. She was worried about the cost of travel and filing fees. We asked her how much it would take…..about $30…..we will take care of that!
This is just another confirmation on the importance of regular visits. Just sending money to help a child is not enough. It’s so important to build relationships with these children and their families, it’s what I’ve been doing for more than 20 years, and I’m more passionate about it now than ever.
But, of course, without Regina’s sponsor in the U.S. we would not be able to help her. I can’t stress enough the need and how important sponsorship is for these kids. Again, I ask you to consider becoming a sponsor and help another Regina Grace pursue her dreams!
Thanks for reading!
Giving Back
I’m so impressed with the college students that are in the sponsorship program here in Manila. On their own initiative along with the sponsorship staff and a core group of former students (who are now working professionals),they began a project of their own to reach out to children 4 – 14 years old in a nearby squatter area. They taught songs, performed skits and fed over 60 children.
Remember, these students are in the population considered the poorest of the poor, yet they see the value in giving to others. They took the time to plan, practice and cook enough food for over 60 children.
One of my biggest struggles when I return to the U.S. is dealing with the “victim” mentality that is so prevalent in our culture. People have no idea how good they have it. All of these students suffer hardship that can’t be compared to anything in the states, yet they look outside of themselves and reach out to others who are even worse off then they are.
What better mentors could these 4-14 year old children have then these outstanding examples. Their character and giving hearts are inspirational to me, I am honored to know them. They are here because someone reached out for them and is sponsoring their education. It really makes a difference. Would you consider being a part of inspiring another student like these? Please join us. The need is great, there are many students without sponsors.
Thank you!
