TWO YEARS AND MOVING ON BY GOD'S GRACE!

It seems unbelievable that more than a year has passed since our last post. Dream Seed Academy is back with another post. Lots of things have engaged our attention so much that when we add some difficulties we  were having with internet networks and laptop problems we always postponed our desire to post . Bringing up a baby (business) to the point where it can grow often calls for your active involvement 24/7. Don’t worry however; we will fill you in with details of what had happened.

FIRST VOLUNTEER

Sharing a story about Elmo and his Friends

On the way to visit Abonya, a nearby village

In November through December 2013, we were blessed with our very first Volunteer, Dede, from the United States of America.  She was such a blessing to our school and the kids really loved her and her contributions to the school. Here’s what she has got to say about her time here.

My experience:Volunteering at Dream Seed Academy

I volunteered with Dream Seed Academy for seven weeks starting in November 2013.  I helped to teach English language classes, with a focus on reading and writing.  I worked with children on different language and literacy skills through activities like reciting nursery rhymes, singing songs, reading storybooks together, and writing names.

I enjoyed listening to the children eagerly recite some of the things they had learned: the alphabet, the definitions of new words, nursery rhymes, or new songs.  I had a wonderful experience and really enjoyed getting to know the children.  And it was especially nice to have the children greet me with big smiles and shouts of “Auntie Dede” whenever I showed up at the school.  But there were also some challenges.  For example, the way I talk – fast and with an American accent – made it difficult for the children to understand me when I first started, especially for the younger ones who are still learning English.  And space is limited, so I had to think of appropriate activities for lots of students in small spaces.

But overall, I had a positive experience and hope the children did too.  I can tell that they are eager to learn.  And I know the school leaders, teachers, and staff are eager to make a difference.  It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to operate a school and I have much respect for all the teachers and staff who are committed to working with students at Dream Seed.

What you can do to get involved:

One of my main activities at DSA was reading storybooks to the children.  This was something they all seemed to enjoy.  Some of their favorites were “The Chick and the Duckling” and “The Cat Who Cried Mouse.”  I know that leaders at Dream Seed are very interested in creating a children’s library for the school and the larger community.  I have no doubt that there are many children who would love to be able to borrow books and read them themselves. This would also be a great and fun way for them to get extra practice reading. If you have books (new or gently used) that you would like to donate, I know they would be greatly appreciated.

 Dede is organising a book drive for our school library. If anyone is interested in sending us some books from the state, you can contact her on dedeaddy@gmail.com

PART OF NINE CLASSROOM BLOCK NEARLY COMPLETED

Pupils of the school matching to their classes

The school and its surroundings

By God’s good grace, we managed to complete a three-classroom block by the end of August 2014. Though not completely finished, it offers the kids a place to learn. It wil be heartwarming for Dede to know that kids have a much bigger space now!

SECOND SPEECH/PRIZE GIVING DAY

Granduants with their Certificates

Teachers on the graduation day

In August 2014, we had our second graduation/speech and prize giving day and our very first children’s cadet which thrilled the parents with brilliant performances.

The Kindergaten cadet 2014

Kpalogo dance of the Ga's 

We are grateful to God for how far He has brought us. Without His help we wouldn't have come this far. We trust that He will be with us and would enable us to fulfill our commitment of impacting positively the lives of the children He gives us.