My Son's First School

Name of School:  Catherine Reese Preparatory School
Location of School:  Du-Port Rd., Paynesville Community
Year of Establishment:  1997
Principal:  Gbalee Nyogbe

While Catherine Reese Preparatory School is not a school we are currently working with, it is an important school to our family. This school is my son's first school. This is a part of him and a time in his life that we did not share with him. These are the pictures we will put in his Lifebook.


This is where my son used to walk to school every day. It is the building and the people that gave him his first glimpse of the world around him.

This is the group of children that attend this school. Some of these children went to school with my son. He played with them and I am sure fought with them and learned alongside of them.

His day would start with lining up like this for morning devotions,

and the pledge to their flag. Probably a song or two (or three, knowing the culture of Liberia).

He would have played a game of soccer (or football in Liberia) for sure with these guys. His competitive little 5 or 6 year old self would have hated to quit the game in order to go back to study.

I can picture his cute little face sitting in the room learning his ABC's and how to spell Teddy.

And another break for Phy-Ed class. Oh this would have been at the top of his list too!

Students heading back to class with Principal Nyogbe close behind.

I don't know if these are all the same teachers that were there when Teddy was there but most likely some of them taught my son. And although we will never know all of Teddy's history, we know that the people that invested into his life when he was in Liberia have shaped who he is today. I am thankful.

Teddy with his teacher now. She is an awesome teacher and Teddy loves her class!

Christian

This is 6 year old Christian. He is also a student at Light Stream Academy. He is one of 5 members in his family and he lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia. In this picture he is standing outside his home area. What a cutie!

Christian is in the K1 class this year. Here he is standing in his class. He says that someday he would love to be a pastor.

This is a picture of Christian with his teacher. Christian is a good speller and Spelling is his favorite subject in school.

As with most of the children you have seen so far, Christian studies at home. This is how most kids will study because there is not an adequate area for studying properly. Also, kids will study outside to get the light they need to see. Once it gets dark, studying has to be over.

Christian with his two brothers, Arthur and Archibald. This will be their shared dinner for tonight.

And just another picture of the boys enjoying their rice.

Christian standing out in the yard next to his classroom at Light Stream. Christian is struggling with with raising his grades although he does okay. He is doing very well at physical education, which means he is probably a good soccer player. :)

Christian with mom Beatrice, brothers Arthur and Archibald. Dad was not in the picture today. This family is desiring to work in a business together so they can get on their feet. The family asked us to thank you for sharing your resources with them so Christian can attend Light Stream. They are extremely grateful for your generosity!

Christian's Family Photo

So, as I was working on Christian's school profile for the blog, I noticed these pictures of the family getting ready to have their family picture taken.  They were so cute!  It is so much of what happens around here when we are all trying to get ready for a photo....someone has the wrong shirt or pants, kids are goofing around, etc.  Since I am getting a kick out of these family photos, maybe you will too!

Here's how I am picturing the scene in my head...Mom reminds junior here to "go get your shirt, it's time for our picture." Both brothers are acting like nothing is going on...

"Okay mom, almost done!" Boys still uninterested and thinking of what they are going to say to junior to pick on him for not being ready. haha

Boys: "It's about time, how come you are never ready?" teasing now.

"Get ready now."

"Christian, put your leg down."

"Okay, that's good!"

Probably wasn't anything like I am picturing it but for some reason, looks so familiar~

Patience

I have been very blessed to have Stephen working for this program. He is a hard worker and so dedicated to this program. He has been faithfully filling my email box with all the updates of our students.
Meet Patience!
Patience lives with her mother Catharine and sister Blessing in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia. She also attends Light Stream Academy.

This is Patience standing in an area that is outside of her home.

Patience is working hard and although she is 9 years old, she is just in the beginning of her school years. After school is out this is where she goes to study.

And here she is standing in her classroom. I smiled when I saw the child down from her sleeping!

Patience favorite subject is Reading. She is reciting the alphabet well and is still having some difficulty in mastering the recognition of the alphabet. She is doing well with Writing, English, and counting her numbers. She is doing very well in her Phy-ed as well.

Life has been difficult for this family. Patience would not be receiving her education without your help. I am rejoicing for this little one to be in school!

Patience standing in her school yard.

Catherine and Patience want to say thank you for the payment of her tuition and the other things...uniform, etc.

Solomon

This is Solomon. He is 8 years old and in the K-1 class at Light Stream Academy.

Solomon lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia with his little brother Quemue, his father Daniel and his mother Kaida.

This is Solomon's home. This is where he spends most of his time after school.

Solomon likes school and he likes to study outside of school, even without having somewhere to actually study. Sitting on the ground is how Solomon studies at home.

Solomon standing outside of Light Stream Academy. What a handsome young fella if I may say so!

Solomon is standing here with his teacher. Although they were studying Science here, Solomon says his favorite subject is Math class.

One day Solomon says he thinks he would like to be an administrator.

Daniel, Kaida, Solomon and Quemue said living in Liberia is difficult and they want to send their thanks to you for your role in their son's education!

Ezekiel

Ezekiel is 11 years old and is in the second grade. He lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia.

                                      
                                          
   With seven people in the family it is really tough for Ezekiel to attend school.                                    

  Ezekiel is happy to be able to study at Light Stream Academy and is doing well.  This is how he studies after school.  (Notice the little puppy in the back-ground?  I did not see him at first look.)

 Ezekiel's favorite subject in school is reading and his grades are the best in this subject.  He wishes to be a driver when he is older.  Being a driver in Liberia allows them a small income but is always needed.

                          
    I love the smile on his face here.  Every time I see the smile on the kids' faces it makes the work of the program so worthwhile! Kids in Liberia LOVE education.  They have been taught since they are small that having an education is very important, and since many children don't go to school, the ones that do usually  don't take it for granted.

  Standing outside of his second grade classroom at the Academy.  The Tamba family wish their sponsors to know that they are very grateful for the payment of his tuition and they pray for blessing on the program.    

A Closer Look at the Walls of W.H.H.S.