Lafage Nov 2019

Training Africans to Transform Africa for Christ

Transformation
Our peri-urban area near Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is transforming. Eight years ago, the neighborhood consisted of modest dwellings where families subsisted by farming small “squatters” plots. Today fifty newly built homes are visible from Rafiki’s gate. City families are moving out here, attracted by a recently installed piped water and electricity grid. In fact, a family of dear friends from my church is building a home right here. The highway from Kampala has been completely rebuilt as well. Five or six “superettes” have opened in our small town. New private nursery and primary schools pop up weekly. Families rely on private and church schools necessary to supplement government schools which struggle with limited funding and a burgeoning demand.

Opportunity
Recognizing the potential to extend the reach of our Christian classical education system, Rafiki is preparing excellent teachers for the thousands of nursery and primary schools operated by our partner denomination churches throughout Uganda.

RICE
Rafiki Institute of Classical Education trains high-school graduates—whatever their age—to become nursery and primary school teachers—the new generation of African educators. The three-year program takes students through intensive refresher courses in English and maths, plus Bible basics then on to theology, history, philosophy, literature, science, mathematics, art, music, and more. It’s my personal privilege and joy to teach Bible, English, and music to these worthy and eager future teachers.

Teamwork develops naturally among first-term RICE students.

Third term students prepare classroom materials for their practicum.

Through our twenty-two African church partner denominations, we connect across Africa with over 10,000 schools desperately in need of qualified teachers. This is how we are transforming education in Africa, one teacher and one student at a time.

Recent RICE grad Lillian now teaches her own “three-year-olds” class at the Rafiki School.

Challenges
Two major hurdles currently stand before the Rafiki teacher training program in Uganda. For the first time, a group of students is ready to move to Level Three of the program! Will their relatives or church partners be willing to support them for the final year? Will they continue despite the job offers they are bound to receive? Please pray with us that God will enable them to complete the program. Also, our two-year project with partner Westminster Institute of Christian Education to acquire government accreditation has experienced delays. We trust that God will make the accreditation happen in his time. Please join us in prayer for these two challenges.

On a personal note, I’m recuperating with family and friends in Paris after surgery on a badly fractured wrist. Another four weeks before a second operation to remove the pins and plate and, God willing, I’ll be “good to go” back to Rafiki for Christmas. Thanks for your prayers.

I am so grateful to those of you who have faithfully supported my ministry financially. Like me, some are amazed to realize that God has allowed me to serve for eight years already! My present level of funding is down, so won’t you please consider making a special year-end contribution?

May God bless you abundantly as the time to celebrate our Lord’s birth draws near.

Please click here for a printer friendly version of this newsletter.