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Matopeni Slum[/caption]

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

In 2016, Mawewa School will accept 20 young children into the Pre-Primary 1 (preschool) class. In past years, notice of openings was spread by word of mouth and recruitment took place on one day at the Mawewa School. This year we have altered the process to reach children with the greatest financial need. For three days in October, Mawewa preschool teachers took to the streets of Mathare, including the Jangwani and Matopeni slums. Matopeni is close to the new school building and like Jangwani is a severely impoverished area.Mrs. Esther Mwangi, PP1 teacher, explained that they combed the streets and alleyways of the slum looking for young children in the various neighborhoods. If there was an adult nearby, they would introduce themselves and ask if they were speaking to the parent or guardian, or ask where the parent(s) could be found. Once the parent was located, the teachers explained what they were doing and asked them if they were interested to hear about a private, Christian school for their child.Many adults were curious and hospitable, inviting the teachers into their homes. Once inside, the staff visually and verbally appraised the family’s living situation. Prior to the child’s evaluation for social, emotional and intellectual readiness to attend a formal school setting, the parent(s) had to agree to specific stipulations regarding their child’s education. In particular, the parent(s) must be willing to participate in the child’s education.Our teachers encountered heartbreaking situations in many homes and the process was physically and emotionally exhausting, but they reached some of the neediest children in the surrounding communities. The Mawewa School staff is considering 52 children for 20 openings for the January 2015 school term. A formal announcement will take place on November 17, 2015.Please pray for God’s wisdom and direction as the selection committee review the applications and make their difficult final choices.