Even in the midst of personal, environmental, economic, and sociological challenges around the country, some of our chapters have managed to host a fundraiser event for Schools of Africa this year. We are very grateful to all of them. Unfortunately, at this time the funds available for distribution to our schools is minimal, to say the least. For some time now our chairwomen have inquired about additional tools to support fundraiser efforts, such as updates to specific school activities, testimonies, pictures, short video presentations, communication from students’ teachers and so on. Your request was submitted to WFWP Japan President, Moriko Hori and others who have heard you!

I am happy to say that WFWP Home Office has produced a new SOA Booklet that can jumpstart our efforts to give you information that can be disseminated quickly to affluent donor possibilities. The opportunity to incorporate your chapter’s strong points: SOA events, service projects, marriage rededication, educational programs, corporate involvement, church activities and so on are endless.

Fannie M. Smith
WFWP USA Schools of Africa Coordinator.

Please see below for a link to the new SOA Booklet and an update from our school in Mozambique!

SCHOOLS OF AFRICA BOOKLET

In Mozambique, “among children who finish primary school, nearly two-thirds leave the system without basic reading, writing, and math skills.”

- USAID

With an economy of 12.33 billion US Dollars, Mozambique has come a long way post civil war since 1992, but not far enough for the society to flourish. Poverty has struck hard everywhere, but it has hit the education system hardest.

WFWP’s strategy for contributing to the improvement of the poor state of the education system in many African countries — currently including Mozambique and 7 other countries — has been to work with international volunteers and local civilians to establish schools and solicit resources through fundraising. The Sun of Mozambique Secondary School was founded by WFWP in Beira, Mozambique in 1995. As Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique, the need for continuing education quickly drove us to expand to include a high school division in 2001.

In an exciting update from the school, 2017 – 2018 (ongoing) has marked an excellent year for academics and maintenance. Thanks to the financial support of $5,000 from WFWP USA last year, the school was able to make the changes necessary to foster a supportive learning environment. The improvements made include:

A new printing and copy machine (Made by RISO, a Japanese printing company known for serving NGO’s with their innovative and reliable products).
The floors of the library, as well as the roof of the arbor, staff room, and Headmaster’s office, were all refurbished.
Two ceiling fans were installed in the classrooms.
The restrooms, library, and the school store were repainted.
Glass windows were installed in an effort to cancel out noise pollution coming from the speakers in nearby bars and restaurants, allowing for greater concentration.
Several new benches were installed.
A screen door was installed as a preventive measure for Malaria, which is a serious concern in the rainy season.
The teachers all received new stationery on the UN’s World Teachers’ Day, October 12, 2017, donated by WFWP Japan.

Students excelled academically in their 2017 final examinations, held for the 2nd and 3rd semester. In collaboration with Mozambique’s Ministry of Education, strict measures were taken to ensure that the sanctity of the examination classrooms was maintained, and cheating methods were avoided. To help students through their examinations, supplementary classes were arranged every Saturday. As a result:

84.5% of the total number of 10th graders passed the examinations. This was the highest passing rate for the school in the past 5 years.
71% of the 12th graders passed.
Aime Sozinho, a 12th grader, achieved full marks in mathematics and achieved a total average of 17 points.
Fatima Pacheco Razao, a 12th grader graduated top of the class.

On an average, the students struggled in Mathematics and Chemistry, but continue to work hard to advance their education and ensure a brighter future.

The school management arranged a networking meeting where all the students and alumni were invited. Many students expressed pride in acquiring education in the school by sharing the legacy of their parents as school alumni. One of the graduates expressed, “I am proud that I studied at the Sun of Mozambique Junior-high and High School.

WFWP wishes to continue the creating this opportunity for the students and families as they have expressed much belief in education. Help us continue these efforts by donating today.