Educate one, change a society
If you want to be counted among the people who have made a huge difference in this world, please take a moment to think about the impact of education in a society.
I have so many people that I consider my lifetime heroes. You will be surprised if I told you that I don’t know most of them in person, but I know they contributed to making sure I am who I am today. Maybe you’re curious to know who I am, don’t worry, I got you! I am a God-fearing, independent, mother to one and the Head Teacher at Project Canaan Academy.
Growing up in a children’s home from the age of 7, I couldn’t even fathom where I would end up in the future. My dreams seemed so blurry; nothing motivated me to even think that my life would change one day. With all these uncertainties hovering around me, I was blessed to have people who thought that I would make it to a better future. Through the classroom doors that were opened and presented to me, I was able to regain my focus, flourish my dreams and be in the space I am at today.
Project Canaan Academy (PCA) in eSwatini, Africa, is a Christ-centered learning institution from Preschool to grade 12 that is specifically designed to empower and inspire learners to flourish in any possible area. What makes our school unique is the fact that most of our learners have been under the care of Heart for Africa since they were infants. These are the learners we want to empower and train as solution seekers and leaders who will bring a tremendous impact in the Kingdom of eSwatini and beyond.
PCA has a total population of 320 students from Preschool to grade 7, our highest grade level at the moment. You would be excited to know that grade 7 is our final year of primary school level, which means that next year we will have our first high school students. Our students get the best in and out of classroom learning and are always excited to come to school. Field trips expose students to the outside world and Inter-school sports help shape their talents as well as expanding their social life.
The fourth grade students have been working on an anti-bullying campaign to be presented to the entire school. I love how the students understand the importance of loving and caring for each other always. It is a great and much needed virtue for all children all over the world.
In sports, PCA’s under 14 girls soccer team just came in first place in an inter-schools soccer tournament. We want our students to continue growing on their talents and athletic abilities. We always encourage them to do their best in everything.
One of our players was spotted playing so well in this tournament (held on Feb 24) that she secured herself a spot in the eSwatini’s under 14 girls team that will be playing against Lesotho in April.
We are currently busy with our 7th grade learners, who will be taking a very important assessment in July. This assessment will be administered through IEB (International Examinations Board). MATCH (Measuring Abilities and Thinking Competencies for High school ) is the specific test that our learners will be taking in preparation for high school. This is new to us as a school, and we are hopeful that our first cohort to graduate from primary school will do well. We are working so hard to get the necessary resources that will help us prepare them. One milestone that we’ve made towards this is that we were able to get an online program that tailors its instructions and content towards preparing learners for the MATCH test.
We were also able to send four of our teachers to a life-changing workshop on the 22nd and 23rd of March. This workshop focused on training the teachers about the necessary teaching approaches and strategies needed in the current world. This is another push towards our short term goal of getting our grade 7 learners ready for the test in July.
Our school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday. We have a team of 25 teachers and 15 teacher assistants. Our curriculum is diverse and covers all the necessary topics needed for the 21st century learner. Earlier in the year we got additional curriculum supplies for our Preschool through second grade just to make sure we have enough resources for our learners. We had a staff addition of three teachers this year .We hired an extra music teacher, a grade 2 teacher and a Physical education teacher. This was necessary because our school grows every year.
Teacher Fikile, is one of our third grade teachers. She is soft spoken with amazing classroom management skills. Every time I pop in her room, I always wish I had her during my third grade era. She loves her students dearly and always interacts with them in such a way that they feel loved and appreciated. She has been with us for the past 3 years .
Teacher Mihla was the first male teacher at PCA. He first taught second grade then moved up to grade 5, where he is currently teaching math, science and social studies. The students love him so much and he serves as both a great role model to our boys as well as a great math teacher.
Teacher Fufu, currently the assistant head teacher, is very enthusiastic and dedicated. She has been here for 4 years and teaches Bible and Computer skills. She is one talented teacher who likes to help around the school. Upon asking her why she works so hard this is what she had to say, “My love for serving God is what motivates me to work hard. Each time I interact with the PCA children, I get to see how they grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. This motivates me to work even harder.”
Teacher Alfred, our grade 6 teacher, teaches math and science to both grade six and seven learners. He has been with PCA for 4 years now, recently became the newest Daddy in town and doubles up as our PCA sports coordinator. His love for the students is unmatched and can be seen from his daily interactions with the students in and out of classroom.
I am so proud of these teachers who are driven by the desire to see our learners excel. At PCA, we anticipate and look forward to the opportunities and growth that this academic year will bring. With your continued support, we remain committed to providing a nurturing and empowering educational experience for every student at Project Canaan Academy.
We can never run away from the late Nelson Mandela’s powerful quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” There is room for everyone to get an education and there is future in education. Would you like to be counted as a hero who contributed into a needy kid’s education? Please grab this opportunity and sponsor a student’s education at Project Canaan Academy.
We need you and our students’ futures rely on your generous heart. Will you say YES today? Your yes would mean the world to us.
Celestine Mutinda, Head Teacher Project Canaan Academy
