Update on Akigyeno Nursery & Primary School
/Progress has been slower than we anticipated because well this is Uganda and communication is difficult and slow. I was in the United States from September 2016 - January 2017 trying to find work to support me and my family. Unfortunately, the ministry and school suffered for it. Communicating with Karamoja is best by phone and it's too expensive to call from the states. We tried our best but it really needed to be in person meetings to get things accomplished.
I returned with a mission team the last week of January and we held several meetings about Akigyeno while in Karamoja. We agreed with the engineer/contractor with a revised plan for the buildings. We agreed to start with a building that will be 3 classrooms, an office and storage room. As well as a building for the pit latrines (toilets without the toilet).
We agreed with the engineer based on the funds that we have raised that we could start the construction and we would continue to pray for the remainder that we'll need to get the school open and operating. Our revised budget is that we need $50,000 in order to finish these buildings and have the funds to keep the school open and operating for the year.
To start we will have the youngest classes of Baby, Middle and Top which are essentially Pre-K in America. Over time and as God provides we will add more classes for Primary 1 up to Primary 7. There should be a maximum of 30 kids in each class.
We have raised just about $14,000 to date. You may remember that there was anonymous donor who agreed to match up to $10,000 so we were going to be at $24,000. Unfortunately, that donor has come into a financial problem and informed me this week that they will not be able to give us that money. We are really sad to get this news but remain hopeful that God will provide. We pray also that God will replenish the donors as they had the heart to give initially but Satan got his nose in the way.
Serving God in ministry is not easy and when we do what pleases God is often means that we upset Satan. Over the years many things have happened that make me know for sure that the enemy is trying to destroy Ezekiel 37 Ministry. I’ve been in a vehicle that rolled 3 times on the way to Karamoja. Myself and others have been sick prior to a mission trip or while on the trip. Cars have broken down, things have gone missing, etc. Satan tries to distract us and deter us from what our calling is. But we serve a mighty, powerful and loving God protects us when we call on Him, heals us when Satan attacks us, and who is going to see us through to the end.
The bible tells us “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatian 6:9
It is hard not to get tired and doubt whether we are doing the right thing. But one thing I cannot lose is HEART for the Karamajong people. I will not give up on the children who deserve an opportunity to go to school. They are what drives me. Seeing the faces of the parents light up when we tell them the school is coming. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they have been yearning to learn but have not been given an opportunity.
Below are some pictures and video of the plans for the school and what progress they made while we were there in Karamoja. I am waiting for more pictures to show what they’ve gotten done in the last 3 weeks. But I have been told they bought 20,000 bricks!
We need new ideas of how to help this school proceed. Some are selling candy bars in Ohio. Some have had yard sales. I think the possibilities are endless but it’s almost impossible for me to do from Uganda. If you have an idea don’t be afraid to share it with me. We welcome any and all ideas, prayers, and support.
May God bless you and your families.
Blessings,
Becky Sekamanya - Executive Director & Missionary
