My Favorite 4 Hours

I just had my favorite 4 hours in Africa so far!  What an amazing afternoon.  Today the Ubuntu Academy boys entered new territory as they went to Sun Valley/Silvermine Academy for their assessments with the principal and head of the high school.  It was such a significant experience for them and they were treated so well.

Joshua Clayton is excited about the hot dogs

When we got there they fed them a little hotdog lunch with cake and juice.  Then they went and took a math and English test.  After a break they did assessments to figure out if they have "free flow" or "blocked flow".  I'm still learning a lot about this, but it seems to make a big difference to how students learn and produce results in the classroom.  Really interesting stuff.
Their parents arrived a few hours later and Principal Keller spoke with them, introduced the school, and told them about the assessments they did.  They seemed quite interested in what the Staff were able to figure out about the boys in such short times.
After Principal Keller was done, Tauriq's grandfather spoke up and thanked us for all the work we've done to make the education possible.  Of course it's nice to hear that they recognize what an amazing opportunity this is for the boys.
The High School Leader Charlene then showed the parents around the school.  I later walked them down to the sports fields where the boys had gone to play.  We took an awesome group picture to remind us of the significance of this day.

The boys, their parents, and the coaches

As I drove away I was overwhelmed with how significant this moment is for the boys.  They, their families, and their communities will never be the same.  They will likely be the best educated person they know, with the most resolve and support to make their future all that God dreams it will be.  You can see the boys are really starting to get excited about this, when before they were scared and apprehensive.  And the parents have a sense of wonder as the wrestle with the fact that this is really true and happening.
I'm just super humbled that I'm allowed to be a part of this.  It's such a privilege!  I, too, won't be the same as I watch these boys transform.  And I really think this will only make them easier to coach.  Their confidence will go up as they have success in the classroom.  They will bring that confidence, and eagerness to learn, to the field where I'll really be able to impart stuff.  I'm so pumped!!

Cheers,
Casey