Christ's Little Gifts

Fall is a busy time for Lilllian and the Christ’s Gift Academy  Student Care Department.  It is when they begin selection of new students that will join school.  It starts by meeting the chiefs, education officers and other community leaders to inform them, as well as to get their input and support.  Then CGA staff post flyers all around Mbita so that everyone is aware.  Those who apply must bring their child’s birth certificate and the death certificates of the parents, along with a few other documents.  Most of the children are between 4-8 years old and the students applying for older grades take an exam to evaluate their proper grade level.  After all of that, representatives of the school and community visit the home of each child who was shortlisted.  During those visits they assess the living situation to see if their stories are true, how needy the family is and to get to know those who are caring for the child.    Previously, CGA selected 65% orphans among the intake; but in the past two years it has been 100% orphans due to the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS along the shores of Lake Victoria.  As they enter their new life at CGA, some are nervous and scared (sometimes because people tell them tall tales about white people eating children) while others are uncontrollably exuberated to join their relatives or friends at CGA.  God will be working in their lives over the next 10-15 years as he takes these kids who felt hopeless after the death of their parents and matures them physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.  Many of those young kids who began at CGA in the late 1990’s are now back volunteering at CGA while others are in colleges and universities studying to become teachers, doctors, businessmen and pastors.  What will become of this year’s group?