This past Tuesday the Umoja team met with several head teachers (which is a school principal in America), and community professionals to discussed how implement a program specifically for secondary girls (high school age girls in America) who are in school. For those who are unaware of the education procedures in Kenya, not all youth go to high school or secondary school. In grade 8, the students who go to school have to take an exam and receive a certain score that permits them to continue their education. Even if they receive the right score to continue, they are required to pay for their future education. There is no government support as the American have for education here in Kenya.
As we were discussing how to implement a program for the secondary girls who are sponsored by Umoja (meaning, Umoja pay school fees for students to continue their education. similar to a scholarship) an issue came into play. Some young girls end up facing tough experiences that are beyond their control. For example, some young teenage girls end up getting pregnant by a family member. Or there have been some cases in which a young girl finds in a relationship with a boy/man you clams to love her, at times gives her money that helps her to purchase materials that are needed to study in exchange for sex, she becomes pregnant and the boy/man claims that he does not know the girl and does not support the girl or the baby. To add fuel to the fire, there are some cases in which the young girl also contracts HIV/AIDS.
So our discussion was what do we do with these young girls who find themselves in this situation, for most secondary girls drop out of school if they become pregnant. There may be shamed by their family, father of the child may put or out. And if she is diagnosed with HIV, the communities shuns the young girl. We find our selves in conversation of where is the opportunity for a second chance? How can these young girls receive a second chance when their some of their situations are beyond their control? For if they drop out of school, they loose their spot as a secondary student and is replaced with a new student in regards to school fees being paid for the girl. How can we provide a second chance for these girls?
This bothered me much. For we serve a God of a second chance, but the believers of God have trouble giving second chances. This occurs in many cultures, not just in Kenya. We couldn't come to a place in which we could decided the solution for issues such as this, for time ran away from us. But we all agreed that this is problematic and something is needed to take place.
As I continued processing the conversations I thought of this scripture. Isaiah 43:18-19 says "Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you no perceive it?" (NRSV) I've came to understand that we as believers must forget the past, past disappointments, past sins, and not hold them against anyone or use the past to hinder someone to move on. And not only that, speak life and give hope to those who feel like they have no other chance. We have no right to judge. We should leave that to God, and find ways to help our brothers and sisters regardless of any circumstance. And even though we could not come up with a solution during this time a meeting, verse 19 of this chapter gave peace to my spirit. For I believe that God will do a new thing, provide a new program for these secondary girls who are questioning if they will receive another chance to continue their education. This new thing began with that one meeting, and it shall spring forth.
God is a God of second chances, third chances, 183 chances, that is why he sent his son to die for our sins. God also uses us to give second chances. Don't let stigmas keep you from being a vessel from God to give second chances or many more chances. We are the feet and hands of God sharing the love of Christ to those who are in need. I encourage you to remember that next time you come across someone who feels have if they have no more chances. That second chance may just begin with you!
Blessings~
p.s. I am aware of grammatical errors. I will correct them once I have more time on the internet. Just wanted to let you know~)
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