On a blistering hot day, with 3,000 people gathered and great celebration, Grace Secondary School was officially opened. Many of the visitors had travelled for hours to be a part of this extremely important ceremony. Local primary school children and choirs spent the best part of a month preparing and the scorching air was filled with the sound of excitement, and hope.
As a choir of women dressed in red robes swayed in procession toward the doors, the Minister for Education cut the blue ribbon and the crowd erupted. Dancing, singing, pipe blowing, walking on stilts, costumes made from palm leaves and white paint adorning legs and faces. The movement created a swirl of red dust on the baked land beneath their springing feet. There were speeches, thank you's and handmade gifts to bring home. And, in a place that has seen the destruction and horror of brutal civil war, the sound of laughter.
The school has taken on 120 young students, male and female, Christian and Muslim and we are committed to support them with fundraising to assist with teachers' pay and students' food. We are asking people to join us and become Friends of Grace, by paying monthly standing order. Our aim is to find 150 people to give £300 per year - that's about a fiver a week. But any amount would be extremely welcome. Every single penny you donate goes straight to the school. We do not take a penny for administration or expenses of any kind. Please email Claire@GraceSecondarySchool.com if you would like to find out more.
Thank you so very much for your support, you are changing lives.
Richard and Claire Budd
Bishop Andudu sends us an update on the first week of school.
