Beth's story
This past spring Alain and I had the privilege of meeting many of the Rudi students and their families! The students at E.P. Nyabyunyu all gave us a warm welcome. We then met with about 60 or more of the Rudi students ranging from 1st-6th grade. It was neat to see the students interact with Arsene and his wife and other volunteers they recognized. They had fun asking Alain and I questions about the US. We were able to ask them how school is going and encourage them to work hard in their studies and the importance of education.
I knew life in the DRC is difficult but after spending a few weeks there visiting family, I had a better idea of what life looks like day to day. Our parents in the US maybe joked about having to walk uphill both ways when they were kids, but for our Rudi students that is a reality among other very difficult circumstances. In a place where you have limited electricity, studying can be difficult or impossible at times. The demands of life may also cut into study time as well such as getting water, helping with cooking or washing clothes or other chores, all of which are done by hand. When these students succeed we celebrate BIG with them because it is truly an accomplishment and gift from God.
After meeting with the students we also were able to meet with a classroom full of Rudi parents. It was so encouraging watching Arsène encourage the families to help one another as a Rudi community and to help their students in any way they can to succeed in school. He reminded them that, if someone’s student isn’t succeeding, that, rather than gossip or put down that parent, try to support that parent and student. If the student drops out they may join a gang or decide to steal to survive. And if they were to become a thief is it not their neighbors they would steal from? Therefore the whole community benefits when each other’s kids also receive an education.
As a mother myself (and pregnant at the time) it was hard to not cry too much hearing the stories of some of the families and the deep gratitude they have for each one of you in helping send their children to school. It is truly a gift that you have given these families to let one or more of their children attend school and receive an education.
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