Yesterday morning we visited the Secondary School. We then went to the Lukulu Training Center. Tom reunited with Agatha who did our cooking, laundry and housekeeping 3 years ago. She now teaches the Sewing and Design curriculum.
We also saw that the school lunch program is still going well with the same 2 guys from 3 years ago.
The instructor of the automotive engineering program is a woman who seems to be very qualified.
We went to the lepresarium where there are 2 individuals remaining plus 2 caretakers. The woman pictured has been there for about 50 years and was a joy to be with. She danced with both Tom and I and asked that her tv be fixed(it was ancient) because she was bored. Love For Lukulu provides 100% of the support for this program.
In the afternoon Fr. Bright took us to see the 4 homes that we have built for elderly. Pictured is one of those recipients. She was so much fun.
After mass we were treated to a gorgeous sunset as most of them are here in Lukulu.
One of our generous donors gave $100 specifying that it be used for the needy, so we went to buy goats. I believe one of them was going to the lepresarium.
We were right by a local store so we purchased 50 suckers to give to the kids. Fr. Bright is shown passing them out.
As is normally the case when you are passing anything out it quickly turned into a mob.
Later we visited the Nursing School. This is perhaps the one stop that Tom and I were most looking forward to. Sisters Pat and Elizabeth took on this project less than 2 years ago and their progress is mind blowing. The site had been abandoned for several years. They have refurbished buildings, built new ones, and have a number of donors behind them, some of whom have provided equipment, furnishings, medical supplies and monetary grants. Pictured is one of the labs.
They built dorms for the students, set up classrooms and labs, acquired equipment for the kitchen(including 2 cooks), etc. This was the final day of the 1st year for the 60 students. It is a 3 year curriculum. The students will have a few weeks of break before they start their 2nd year and 60 more students begin their 1st year. I asked a few of the girls to check my pulse and they got it perfect. It was refreshing to see several male students. Pictured is a wall containing the names of several supporters. Love For Lukulu will be added to the wall as we provide some students with scholarships.
After mass which was held outdoors we met with students who had received scholarships and heard some of their stories. We had an opportunity to explain what it takes to raise the funds that we do. Over 1/2 of the students are struggling financially. One scholarship recipient told us that he would not be there if he had not received our scholarship support in the Secondary School as well as the Nursing School. After lunch outside we had an opportunity to visit with the instructors and students. They were very excited to finally have a few weeks off. The curriculum lasts 11 1/2 months. Here we are pictured with this year’s class.
I can’t emphasize enough how important this nursing school is. Not only does it provide a huge opportunity for the students, it also provides employment for staff and commerce for local businesses. After just 3 years we can see a significant difference in Lukulu. There are houses being built, more vehicles, etc. The annual costs to attend the nursing school are only about $1,000, but that is a huge amount of money here. We are hoping to find donors who are willing to make a 3 year commitment(total of $3,000) to sponsor 1 or more specific students. If you would like to sponsor a student we can definitely make that happen.
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