1st Day of School & Distribution Day
The first day of school is always an exciting time, but this year, even more so than usual! After lockdowns, school closures, and uncertainty due to Covid-19, the girls in our program have safely returned to the classroom at last. We are thrilled to welcome them back!
In this post, we’ll share:
A recap of the weeks leading up to the girls’ return
Photos from uniform and supply distribution day back in March
An introduction to three of the girls in our program
A glimpse into a typical first day of school in Mozambique
Distribution Day
Before classes begin, our on-the-ground team distributes everything the girls will need for school. These items are all made possible by our wonderful sponsors and include uniforms, backpacks, and supplies for each girl. It’s always such a joyous time for everyone!
This time around, distribution looked a bit different than in years past. Under normal circumstances, it would be a one-day event where the girls get to meet their teachers and familiarize themselves with their school. However, because of the pandemic, we had to take several safety precautions. Instead of it taking place on one day, our team spread it out over the course of a couple weeks and locations to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Here are some of our favorite photos of this year’s distribution. The smiles on the girls’ faces say it all!
The First Day of School
Here is what a typical first day back looks like in Mozambique!
The teacher will start the morning off with a fun icebreaker activity to help her and the students get to know each other better!
Next up, she will review the class syllabus with the students. This is an opportunity to explain how her class is run and what is expected of them during their time in the classroom.
In Mozambique, each class has a hierarchy and the teacher will help coordinate the election of a girl into each role. For example, Head of the Class, Head of Hygiene, Head of Sports, and so on.
She will also spend some time dividing the students into various study groups depending on their academic ability.
After about 4 hours spent in the classroom, the teacher will wrap up, send the students home, and prepare for the next school day!
Meet the Girls
We thought it’d be fun to introduce you to a few of the girls in our program, from 1st grade all the way to high school! Here’s what each of them will be learning in the classroom over the course of the next year...
Elga
Elga will be entering the 1st grade where she’ll learn how to relate and communicate with others as well as important skills, values, and fundamental attitudes. This will lay the groundwork for Elga to succeed in both school and life. She and her family are so grateful to our community for giving her this opportunity!
Pércia
Pércia is a 6th grader who enjoys talking with friends, studying, and doing homework. She often helps her younger sister, Ética, with her school work and serves as a wonderful role model for Ética to look up to! At this level, Pércia’s studies focus on language and communication, interpersonal relationships, autonomy, problem-solving, health, and more! She’s looking forward to acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for a bright future ahead.
Esmenia
Esmenia is a social, intelligent young woman who does well in school. As Esmenia begins the 9th grade, she’ll continue learning how to communicate in different languages including Portuguese, French, English, and Mozambican dialects like Changana. She’s excited to hone her problem solving skills, develop an entrepreneurial attitude, and learn about different ways to create a livelihood and contribute to her family’s income.
2021 marks the fourth consecutive year of Kurandza’s education program.
200 girls and 5 boys across 10 partner schools will all receive an education for the next school year thanks to our sponsors' generosity.
Sponsors, we’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support in ensuring these children have access to an education. We couldn’t do this without your help. Thank you for the impact you've had on their lives.
Here's to a wonderful year ahead!
PS: For regular updates about the girls and what’s happening in Mozambique, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @lovekurandza!