When FTCSF representatives arrived for the ceremony on July 2, 2009, the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement. The benches that FTCSF had built for the children had arrived earlier that morning and were in the new classrooms swarmed by students eager to try them out.
Many people from the community and a teacher and students from another Christian school in an adjoining area had come to show support for Amazing Grace. All the children, teachers and parents had taken time from work and gathered together for this special day.
The celebration began when the visiting school children performed songs and dances. Bill Price then delivered a dedication prayer and Nancy challenged the community to support the children's education and to take care of the building. She encouraged the director to use the school for God's glory and challenged him and the community with the example of St Joseph's School, whose commitment to the poor goes so far that they accept goods in payment of tuition.
Depending on the time of year, between 60 - 300 students attend the school that met under the trees. The children are from a very poor and rural area, with many migratory families, and range in age from 4 to 13 years.
Thanks to the generous donations of FTCSF supporters, Amazing Grace students no longer study in the hot sun or rain but enjoy the comfort of spacious classrooms complete with furniture. With earmarked donations given over two years, FTCSF managed to build the classrooms and we have now challenged the community to take on responsibility for any further building.
FTCSF will continue to support Amazing Grace School through ongoing teacher training.
Parents, Grandparents and community members pray for the school
Children try the new benches.
Visiting school children dance at the dedication ceremony.
