because of the schools
Lack of jobs and employment compound the huge challenges in a country rebuilding after years of war, where the majority of the population lives in poverty. Construction of RISE schools provides jobs for laborers, apprentices, masons and project managers on building sites. Teams are developed and move from one school upon its completion, to the next, using their learned knowledge and experience. RISE schools also establish the need and opportunity for teachers and a principal at each school site.
Angolans long for education for their children, yet life is difficult – clean water, shoes, school snacks and meals are a motivation to attend school. At several RISE schools, children receive a meal from JAM (Joint Aid Management) – JAM provides a meal for 237,000 school children in the Benguela Province each day. The meal, fortified corn-soy porridge, is prepared in huge pots over an open fire. Parent teacher associations at each school provide support by preparing and serving the meals. Kids line up and wait to receive their bowl of mush…for some this is their only meal.
RISE became a TOMS Shoes Giving Partner in 2012. With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One™. Most children in Angola, particularly in rural areas, do not have shoes. Distributions began in 2012 and were completed in 2016 – kids are thrilled to receive a new pair of shoes! The gift of shoes serves as an incentive to attend school, and will protect their feet from cuts, infection and disease.
Wells and Clean Water
Funds for wells at 24 sites in rural Angola have been donated by individuals, Celebration of Hope at Willow Creek Community Church, Rotary, and as part of the Validation Pilot Project Grant from the Children’s Prize. Children are delighted to touch, splash and drink clean water for the first time! Clean water is life changing – there is immediate impact on health, and women and children no longer need to spend hours each day carrying dirty water from a river. Wells at school sites allow for education about the importance of clean water, sanitation, health and nutrition.