The Mamas

As we began teaching the older children phonics and the beginning skills needed to learn to read and write, the mothers asked us to teach them as well. We started with how to write their names, which will be life changing for them, and are now working on basic letter sounds.

The children are learning English and Ngakaramajong. Since children's brains are still in a stage where language acquisition is more natural, they are able to learn in both languages. However, the mamas are just learning Ngakaramajong. Since that is their native language, it will be easier for them to learn and will be more useful in their everyday lives.

There are several reason why we are so excited to teach the mamas.

They have a desire to learn. They asked us to teach them. They come and work hard. We pray this desire to learn to read and write spills over into a desire to learn about God and the Bible. Education is a great thing, but Jesus is who can truly give them a hope and a future.

They are taking action. All the women have an opportunity to learn how to start a small business. They just need to save money, which means they need to be diligent in working and not spending money on alcohol. When they begin their business, having basic literacy and math skills will be very valuable.

They can teach their children. This is empowering for them and a great opportunity for the kids. What the moms learn, the kids will have a chance to learn as well.

With anything, this will take time. The school is still in its very early stage, but it is encouraging to see the desire to learn in kids as well as adults.