Linda Rogers
Church of the Epiphany, Clarks Summit
Hear me, O Lord, for Your loving kindness is good; turn to me according to the multitudes of Your tender mercies.
Psalm 69:16
Yesterday’s despair turned to joy as I sat with Fr. Charles Busingye (director, Reaching the Pygmies ministry) and Alice (principal of Epiphany School). I was scheduled to talk with Jim who is volunteering at Epiphany School. He was a member of the first P-7 class (US grade 6) to take the national “leaving exam” in November 2009. His success on this exam facilitated his pilgrimage to seek teaching credentials. He has completed S-1 through S-4 (US 7 – 10). He’s currently completing Advanced –Level studies (US 11 – 12). After 3 years at University he’ll be certified to teach Secondary Mathematics and Physics. As a retired university professor who taught methods courses and supervised student teachers, I delighted in observing Jim actively engage 10 and 11 year olds in a lesson that reviewed their previous lesson in graphing and introduced the use of a pictograph.
Later I asked if there were other Epiphany School students in university. Ashimu has completed his freshman year at Makerere University in Kampala where he’s studying actuarial science and supports his family back home with a part-time job. Other graduates currently in the workforce include Praise Dorothy who teaches in a primary school, Pontius who is working in Kampala, Patience teaches in a government school, and Editah who is studying nursing at Kisiizi Hospital.
Where did I get the idea that the pilgrimage begun at Epiphany School in preschool ended with successfully passing the “leaving exam?” Jim, Ashimu, Praise, Patience, Pontius, and Editah remind me that one pilgrimage may lead us to another and our pilgrimage might serve as an example and hope to others just starting out.
Opening Heart and Mind: God’s love for others, shown through the actions of humans, changes lives. Jim’s life was changed by his years at Epiphany School and he’s making a difference for others through his connections, his strength in communication, and his desire to collaborate for the benefit of his students and the school.
(Photos: Jim teaching P-5 mathematics)