Buyamba News
Stories and news from Uganda and the U.S.
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On Thursday, October 15th, the doors of God Cares Primary School and High School reopened for three levels of students returning for their National Testing. The students are excited to be back, and so are the teachers and administrators. It was a happy reunion!
We will continue to carry out our mission to offer love, hope, and a future through education and discipleship…one child at a time.
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When the President of Uganda announced the abrupt closure of schools in Uganda on March 20, 2020, trust me when I say that we didn't see this coming. We all thought that this virus was all going to end within a few weeks or maybe a month tops, but here we are, still living in uncertainty. Amidst it all, I am thankful to God, who has been so good to us. God continues to provide ... indeed GOD CARES. On behalf of the teachers and students of God Cares Schools, I am honored and humbled to extend our appreciation to the Buyamba Ministry. Thank you so much for standing with us and for not giving up on us; you have reached out to us in many ways, but most importantly, you have prayed for us.
Many schools in Uganda stopped supporting their teachers, even the "Big" private schools. We have heard from some of these teachers that the administration doesn't check on them, and they don't know what their teachers are going through. The teachers were the most affected people as far as workers are concerned. Many teachers in private schools have not been paid since the government temporarily shut down the schools, but the Buyamba ministry has managed to stand with their staff. This act of care is vast and has impacted the Buyamba staff in so many ways. One teacher gave his life to Jesus Christ because Buyamba has shown the love of Christ. Teachers often have many responsibilities. I know of some female teachers who are the breadwinners of their families. Other teachers have extended families looking to them for provision. All of us have to pay rent in our areas of residence, and we couldn't be doing this if we weren't receiving support from Buyamba. The food Buyamba shares with us usually provides for two-three weeks, depending on the family size. This is counted as a blessing, which has motivated teachers and sent them the message that they matter, and that they are in the right place. One teacher gave his life to Jesus Christ because Buyamba has shown the love of Christ. Words can't express how grateful we are, but indeed we are. We bless the Lord for you.
Earlier this week, a teacher in one school in Uganda set himself ablaze because he couldn't keep up with life anymore...he had no means to live. I thank God that none of the staff at God Cares has gone through such despair. God has been so good to us. It reminds us of the time the Israelites were in the desert under the leadership of Moses, but amidst it all, God was so good to them. We are grateful for our beloved sponsors and friends. We also appreciate the Buyamba administration in Uganda, for being faithful stewards because we know very many organizations that have not served their purpose. You have continued taking care of the students, reaching out to them, and giving them support. I was recently talking to one of the students who told me that if it weren't for the food provisions from Buyamba, his family would have died - they were really in a dark place, but God didn't forget them. Peace be with you all. We are praying that the good Lord blesses the works of your hands. May He prosper you all and give you more life. We are grateful for your support. We love you all, and we are proud to be a part of your lives.
Renting out the assembly hall is one way God Cares School can earn money and work towards sustainability, so this was an encouraging sight as there were buses of students still arriving and filing into the hall for the conference. While the team was disappointed that Chapel would not take place in the assembly hall (because it is a lovely place to sit) God was up to something much bigger than expected. Sam Byakika, the Chaplin at GCHS, shared an encouraging message of boldness through the story of Elijah and Elisha.
This young girl found hope ... she found salvation at God Cares School, and now she can be an ambassador in her school! I am confident that God Cares Schools is a place where the Lord dwells, and every student, teacher, staff, and visitor who steps on the grounds can genuinely know that God Cares. -Melissa Carlson Buyamba Team of July 2019  Last week, our Primary 7 students of God Cares spent two days sitting for their Primary leaving exams. We thank God for this large class of 80 students! The majority are featured in the above picture, taken before their exams, and as you can see they look ready to succeed. The students know we remember them in our prayers, and this is encouraging to them. When a student successfully passes their primary leaving exam, he or she graduates to high school. Each year, God Cares School rises in the rankings of top schools in Uganda, and we believe this year we will once again receive high scores. Students transferring to God Cares High School will need an additional sponsor if they are not already living at the school. Due to the location of God Cares High School, the majority of the students live at the school and therefore need a residential sponsor. If your sponsored child is in P7, please be praying for a second sponsor, or share the blessing of sponsorship with a friend, and let them know about this opportunity. We are overwhelmed by the sheer number of students that are moving through God Cares Schools, receiving a quality faith based education. They are being empowered to impact their nation for Christ!  The final term of school comes to a close on December 1, 2017. The S6 students of God Cares High School, as well as the S4 students, are preparing to take their national exams. S4 students take what's called, "O-level exams" and this determines whether or not they will proceed to S5 and S6 for further education or continue on to a trade school or enter the workforce. S6 students take, "A-level exams" and this decides whether they will have the opportunity to continue to a university, college, or some other form of higher education. Test results will be released in the late summer of 2018.
There are thirty students in this year's graduating S6 class and all of them have been praying about what God would have for their futures. Thanks to each of their sponsors, they have been granted the opportunity of education, which encourages them to dream and hope for a bright future. If you're sponsoring an S6 student, we would ask that you also join us to pray that God would give each child His vision for their future. Please pray for them to stay on course with their studies and walk in faith through the season of waiting until the test results are released. Does the Sponsorship Journey End Once My Student Graduates High School? No.... our mission is to offer love, hope and a future through education and discipleship ... one child at a time. If a student wishes to continue their education beyond high school, we want to fully support them! Buyamba strives to cover a student's education from nursery to university. If a sponsor continues his commitment of $35 a month, we can continue to come alongside that child. We may need to add a couple of additional sponsors to a student if a particular university requires more. A given institution could require fees that would equate to one to three sponsorship(s) of $35 a month. A degree can take up to three years to obtain. We are also launching our new University Scholarship Fund where an individual, church, or business can create a scholarship in their name for $3,900 - the cost of three years of schooling for the most popular university with the Buyamba students, The Buyamba Scholarship Fund will be available to students with top scores, good behavior, good attendance, and a demonstration of good leadership. Let the graduations continue! Five God Cares alumni graduated from Africa Renewal University. Two of the five students featured are staying in school for one more year to gain another certificate. Please keep these women in your prayers as they have been equipped and are now launching into their communities to IMPACT UGANDA FOR CHRIST! Our congratulations go to: Sharon, Hadijah, Mastula, Ritah, and Doreen.  |
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