by Maxine Talbert

On Lake Victoria , in one of the poorest, most illiterate and disease-stricken districts in Kenya, 350 children are receiving an almost unparalleled education. Bethany has partnered with their school, Christ’s Gift Academy (CGA), for eight years. Missionary Joe Peterson visited us recently and described the contrast between CGA and standard Kenyan education.

Kenyan public education is a holdover from a half-century of British occupation. Primary School (“Standards” 1-8) and Secondary School (“Forms” 1-4) required tuition until 2002. When the newly-elected president mandated “free” (not entirely; there are incidental costs) public primary education, schools were swarmed with children previously too poor to attend.

Today, 70-100 children sit in each classroom, often without adequate hygiene, lighting, desks, books, supplies, or staff, and little hope of academic success. Many children miss schooldays, repeat grades, or drop out altogether because they must work (as orphaned heads of household or virtual indentured servants). The alternative, private school, offers a better education to wealthier families.

Primary schools teach five subjects (English, Kiswahili, Math, Science, Social Studies), by rote memorization, to prepare students for the multiple choice 8 th grade exit exam. A child’s future and family’s honor hangs on the K.C.P.E. scores, which are published in the national newspaper. A few will be invited to (excellent) national high schools, others to provincial or district schools; many will be rejected.

The better secondary schools are boarding schools (expensive!). Students study from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm, in preparation for the challenging Form 4 exit exam. Students have an anxious “gap” year awaiting the K.C.S.E. results. The government channels students into specific schools and majors based on their scores (B+ to University, B to C+ to diploma courses, and C’s to teaching or nursing colleges).

Again, many families cannot afford tuition, even when their children are placed. Without education, the family’s future is bleak; it often depends on just one child graduating, finding work, supplementing the family’s income and subsidizing younger children’s schooling.

What makes CGA different? CGA offers free primary education to children (70% orphans) selected for potential and need by a teacher/community panel. Class size is 25-30. Facilities are clean and bright; each child has desk, chair, books, supplies, library access, uniform, shoes, sportswear, food during school terms and breaks, mosquito nets, social services support, and basic medical care. Sports, music, and tutoring are offered after school.

The integrated Christian curriculum focuses on problem-solving rather than rote memorization. Most teachers are Kenyans who must learn this radically different educational philosophy. The local people disbelieved that CGA kids would be successful on the K.C.P.E. exams, but the first three graduating classes have far exceeded expectations.

Last year, (an incredible) five students were placed in national secondary schools. This year, only three (remarkably few) failed to pass the exam. As important, the graduates have proven themselves to be problem-solvers as well as moral and academic leaders in their respective high schools. Many have accepted Christ. CGA continues to follow these students and assist their families through the high school years.

Bethany has been blessed to participate in the good work of this exceptional school. As part of our summer “Families in Service” program, children of all ages and their families will be given an opportunity to help stock the CGA Library. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks!