Blog: April 2012

April 5, 2012

I check in with our leaders in Malawi about once a month on the phone.  At the end of my conversation with Za this morning (leader of RiseMalawi Ministries), I asked if there were any stories or any children that really stood out to him.   I loved this story and wanted to share it with you.

Henry was participating regularly with RiseMalawi last year, but then suddenly stopped attending.  The staff at Rise are dedicated to a holistic approach to ministry—including home visits—and they wanted to know why Henry had been absent.   Za and his partners learned that Henry had taken his 8th grade exam, which determines high school admission in Malawi, and he did not do well on the test.   He dropped out of school, not seeing any reason to continue if he couldn’t get into high school.

Za and his team worked with the family and emphasized the importance of school for Henry.  He was re-enrolled in school in January and returned to RiseMalawi’s AfterSchool program.  Now Henry has outstanding grades, ranking 3rd in a class of 120!

“Other kids notice and ask me ‘What have you done to this kid?’” Za said with a chuckle.   The leaders and kids at Rise, in addition to Henry and his family, are ecstatic about his progress!

Henry still needs a sponsor to secure his future at Rise and in school.  As a sponsor, your support will enable Henry to grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally, giving him a future of great promise! If you’re interested in learning more, please contact KMalefyt@urbanpromiseusa.org.

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