In 2003 several church women from the Bwacha Community were moved by needs of so many orphaned and vulnerable children in their village.  Many children were unable to attend the overcrowded government school due to lack of school fees and uniforms and/or the long distance they had to travel to attend school.  Together, with the approval of the village chief and community leaders, they decided to begin their own school called Shekinah Glory Community School.  They started this school with just 20 children and now have an enrollment of 277 children.  Of the 277 students, there are 100 single orphans, 103 double orphans and 74 vulnerable children.

Here you can see the present condition of this school.  Unbelievably children have been attending this school with no protection from the sun and the rain.  In fact the school would need to close often during the rainy season because of lack of shelter.  Despite the conditions, children and teachers alike understood the power of education and it's need in their community and continued to meet for 5 years.  Recently Pastor Joel from King Street Church visited this school with Richard Brown of Visionledd.  Pastor Joel was deeply touched by the needs that he saw and shared the plight of children of Bwach with the King Street Church staff and congregation.  God has touched their hearts and they have committed to raising a new school for the children of Shekinah Glory School!  In addition to this the church has also taken in part in WOW Children's Christmas and raised funds to help provide school uniforms and school supplies for the school.  What a treat it was for the children and teachers to receive a hot meal of chicken, vegetables and rice.  Thank you King Street Church!

Please read the following letter received from Pastro Otis Menda of Bwacha, Zambia

Hi Pastor Joe,
I hope you are fine. Since you left the local government asked us to stop meeting at the school because the environment is not conducive for the children. The government said that we cannot subject children to sun shine every day and the school has no toilets. So because of the uncompleted building and no toilets we were told to close the school.
My great concern is the grade 7 children who are writing the examination this year. I am not very sure now if the grade 7 will write the examination.
We were told by Lawrence about the funds that were raised. This will help us finish the floor and roofing of two classroom block.
Then we will remain with fixing doors and toilets.
Lastly I would like to say thank you to both of you Joe and Richard for your support towards the orphans and vulnerable children. I am pretty sure the good LORD will richly bless you.
 
Thanks a lot,
 
Pastor Otis Menda
Shekinah Glory School

 

Please pray for the children and teachers of Shekinah Glory School as they seek the Lord's will for their lives:

Mrs Theresa N'goma - School Head Teacher

Alice Kunda - Grade 7 Teacher

Rowena Musunga - Grade 5 & 6 Teacher

Annie Mulenga - Grade 3 & 4 Teacher

Biance N'goma - Grade 1 & 2 Teacher

Silvia Sakala - Preschool Teacher