Πέμπτη 23 Μαρτίου 2017

" Τhis school will soon become a self-sufficient light of Orthodoxy in a small corner of Africa..."

Orthodox Africa


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After waiting over a year and having gone through many interviews with the Orthodox Africa board of directors and after much prayerful consideration, with the b...lessing of His Grace Bishop Athanasius (Akunda) of the Kisumu Diocese in Kenya (Alexandrian Patriarchate,) it was determined that Saint Innocent Academy is a mission that is truly worthy of all of the support that we can raise for them and the board of directors of Orthodox Africa is convinced that, with our support, this school will soon become a self-sufficient light of Orthodoxy in a small corner of Africa.
Recently, our director, Father Silouan, sat down and spoke with Julius Kiprotich, the head-teacher of Saint Innocent Academy, and spoke with him about their mission, needs and where they want to go in the future. Without further introduction, the board of directors of Orthodox Africa is pleased to introduce you to our newest mission and give you a glimpse into how the Church of Africa is spreading. 


 Father Silouan: Where is Saint Innocent’s?
Julius: The school is in Nandi County, Tiriki Region, Chepkuny Village in the Western corner of Kenya. It is surrounded by Chepkuny Primary School 5 kilometers away and Koibarak Primary 6 kilometers away. There is also Saint Sava’s Orthodox Church 1 kilometer away and a Roman Catholic church 5 kilometers away. The community is made up of low-class residents who are mostly unemployed single parents. Drug abuse is rampant.
Father Silouan: Can you please give me a short history of Saint Innocent Academy?
Julius: The school was launched on February 17th 2012 with an initial enrollment of 17 pupils. Before then, the Sunday school was started in 2008 with the first pupils being Sunday school children. The first teacher was Fr. Jonah and his Papadhia Clarah who laid a firm foundation through their dedication and the sacrifice of their time and resources.
Father Jonah’s family has been on the front line at Saint Innocent’s up til now with what little money that they have. There are currently 146 pupils in the school, and we are expecting this number to rise to 180 pupils by the end of 2017 and 220 pupils by March of 2018. 


 Father Silouan: Where would you like to go from here?
Julius:
1. Within the 6th year 2017 -2018, increase enrollment from current 146 to 220 pupils in subsequent classes.
2. To build 7 permanent classrooms
3. To purchase the stationaries, computers, text books, games balls, printer and exercise items.
4. To build two lavatories: one for the girls, and one for the boys.
5. To purchase a one-acre plot of land that we can grow tea on to help support the kids we are serving.


Father Silouan: What are some of the challenges that you anticipate having to overcome?
Julius: The biggest challenges that we face are:
1. Inadequate funds
2. Other economic challenges
3. Child Labor (children being mistreated)
4. Drug Abuse
5. Early marriages (unexpected marriages have left the community with many children without a responsible adult to care for them)
6. HIV/AIDS

 Father Silouan: On past conversations with Father Jonah he has mentioned that most of the kids suffer from jiggers, how do you plan on helping these children?
Julius: If we will get some funds now, we will be able to put in concrete floors, before the pupils resume classes in May.

 Father Silouan: How much will these floors cost?
Julius: About $1000

 Father Silouan: The board of directors and I are excited to be able to work with you to help you become a self-sustaining mission, and I am looking forward to once again visiting your beautiful mission.

http://orthodoxafrica.org/st-innocent-academy/
https://www.facebook.com/orthodoxafrica/

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