Blessings and Joy,
Melissa
Hello Anchor of Hope Friends~
We are excited to take a moment to write you about how our children are doing and the news of Anchor of Hope. As the year comes to an end we are at a time of assessment regarding the progress of our children in school. After receiving the reports of all 65 children we have 65% of them succeeding well and 35% that need improvement. Three children recently took the National Exam that is required prior to entering high school and we are waiting to receive their results from this. Seven children are in the top 4% of their class. We are very proud of them and are excited to see how many of them are improving. They are improving not only in school, but they have also improved greatly in their behavior.
We all know that we are rapidly approaching the Christmas season. We have always been able to offer a special Christmas party to our kids and we hope to do the same this year. This year will be a little different as we now have 65 children who will all gather together with at least one of their parents or guardians. We will also invite some government officials. Our staff has put many wonderful ideas together for this to be a joyous day for the kids.
One week after Christmas the kids will start their new academic year. This is the time that all school fees are due as well as the time for school materials to be purchased. We try to make sure all our kids have the basic necessities they need to start the new year well.
Proposed Christmas Budget: $4,375
This includes a shirt, pants, and pair of shoes for each child; renting the facility for the party, food and drink, transportation, an Anchor of Hope t-shirt, and a musician to sing for the party.
Proposed 2012 School Budget: $7,035
This includes school fees, 2 school uniforms, and materials for the year for 65 children.
As God lays it on your heart, we would ask you to consider giving to one or both of these upcoming financial needs. We look forward to the opportunities the new year holds for these kids and Anchor of Hope. Our Rwandan Director was recently visiting some of the children and their families and sent these words from them:
“We are very thankful to God who made AOH, and who inspired its members with the Holy-spirit’s agape and wisdom. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for what AOH people are doing for us. This is a huge support, affection and friendship we never had before and we pray God to give much power to AOH to allow its people to help others as well as those who are desperately in need like us”.
We have recently moved to a new office that is less expensive and wanted to include some pictures~ Please open the attached document with these photos.
Please continue to pray for Anchor of Hope as we strive to move forward to the places God is directing. Thank you for your love for the people of Rwanda as well as your passion to help others. May God bless you this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
In His love,
Sarah Sebazungu
Anchor of Hope
