A Day at El Shaddai

Intern Reece is building playground equipment for the children.
Volunteers help make El Shaddai a special school in Mozambique.

El Shaddai currently has five grades. Each year another grade is added.
The dream is to go through grade 12.  There are 350 students but
there is a need for more classrooms for next year.

More boys will stay in school in Mozambique than girls. El Shaddai
hopes to change those statistics and see all children stay in school.

"I want to grow up and be a nurse," said little Noemia.
Perhaps she was motivated by the loss of her mother
from malaria last year.  El Shaddai is giving her a
 great start on her education.

The children like to greet me in English.  They are learning
both Portuguese and English.

All of the children have big dreams for their future.  When I
asked them what their plans were I heard a variety of choices:
doctors, nurses, singers, businessmen.....El Shaddai gives them
that hope.

Sponsoring a child for a better education is an investment not only
 in their future but the future of a better country for Mozambique.

The children are always smiling and they should be!  They
are getting a chance to have a great education and learn
about Jesus.  Who wouldn't smile?

The soccer field at El Shaddai gets used often.  This team is
doing their best to get ready for competition.

It has been fun to watch these children grow over the last
five years.  They are full of fun and confidence....and a little
bit of mischief. :-)

I asked the children what they liked best about school.
9 out of 10 said "to eat!"

It is a blessing for the meal to be provided for these children.
It makes a difference in their performance and health.

Team members take a minute from working on
the playground equipment to play bubbles with
the children. Their presence is so appreciated.

Braxton gives this girl a better advantage for
popping bubbles. Developing relationships
is key to change.

I chuckled after taking this picture and looking
at his teeth. Oh, my.  We need dentists in Mozambique!

Cindy is the school nurse.  She gives each child
a thorough check-up.  In a country that has only
1 doctor for 30,000 people, El Shaddai is blessed
to have a school nurse.

John can fix anything.  He not only oversaw the
building of El Shaddai, he keeps maintaining it too.