Continuing Education

Saturday, 29th January

On Saturday morning we piled ten of us in my Landcruiser and set out for Kisii. The group included four of us Suba Laker Officials, three of our players and their mothers. All three of the players sat their National 8th Grade exams this past year. Unfortunately, all three of them failed pretty badly. Their widowed mothers didn't know what to do with them. The girs are 17 years old so repeating 8th grade wasn't a very good choice, but their academic performance in primary school didn't qualify them for secondary school. The mothers had approached the club about what could be done to help the girls. We also didn't know what to do and were not ready to invest money in the academics of 17 year olds that are so low because of bad schools and a poor academic foundation.

We didn't have any answers, but we prayed... and God had an answer. The coach of Kisii United (the 2nd best women's club team in the country) invited all three to join his club in Kisii. They were welcomed to stay in the hostel with other teammates and the club would get them a chance in a local secondary school and pay for their fees, including uniform and other necessary materials. When we shared with the parents, they were so relieved. You could almost visibly see the burden being lifted off their shoulders.

As we set off early on Saturday there was a lot of joy and happiness with the three girls. They could now see how their football talents were helping them and that they would be able to continue their education, which they weren't sure of before this opportunity arose.

When we arrived in Kisii we were greeted by the captain of the team and several of the teammates. They showed us the hostel and explained their daily routine and program. They also cooked us a nice lunch before we departed, leaving behind their three new members.

It was a door that could only be opened by God. It was a big relief to me also. Now all seven of the girls that finished 8th grade from the club have started in their new secondary schools. That is a big accomplishment in this region where most girls never even finish primary school.

Linet and Adah who are sponsored by CGA will join Asumbi Girls High School (the 2nd best girls school in the province). Pheny, sponsored by the club, will join Bishop Okullu Magare Girls Secondary near Homa Bay. Sharon Bismark will be sponsored by a missionary friend and his Sunday School Class back in Arizona; she will join other club members like Irine Achieng at Moi Girls Sindo. Eliva, Belinda and Judith will all go to school in Kisii and be sponsored by the Kisii United Club. Somehow God worked it all out for these seven girls. Praise God!