School Progress, New Teachers and New Subjects!

The students have worked hard this year and have made many nice pieces of furniture.  Recently Janet and I (Tamara) went to the vocational school Don Bosco in Iringa.  It is a Catholic school that has a lot of nice tools.  From what we can see, they make everything with electric tools.  They make some very nice things there.  We talked with the staff and students.   We visited the mechanics, sewing and carpentry areas.  I think we were both a bit surprised at what we heard and saw.  The staff was remarkable open with us about their challenges with teachers and students (dedication and reliability) and also their financial challenges.  Janet was amazed at the quality (and lack thereof) of the projects completed by the third-year students in the sewing department.  She inspected many articles closely and pointed out areas where improvements could be make.  The students and principle were happy to get her input.  They gathered around her as she inspected various articles and pointed out issues.  It was fun to watch.
The staff was surprised to hear that our students are learning to make furniture using only hand tools.  Janet explained that we are not an industry, but truly a training school.  Our goal is to teach these young people to be able to work wherever they go.  They will not be dependent on electricity and expensive tools to make a living.  They will be able to work anywhere and any village with just a few tools and the education they receive at the school. 

 The students have been learning a lot in the two years that they have been here.  Janet keeps a close eye on the work they turn out and offers suggestions for them to improve their skills and designs so they are not just "okay" but excellent.

One of the boys using hand tools here at EVFCM.

Expidito (to the right), our teacher, Justin in the middle and other students in the carpentry classroom.

Some very nice furniture the boys have made (and the boys.)

 The hard work and persistence is making a difference in many a young person's life.
The mechanic's bay has been sitting idle since being built since the person we had hoped would teach ended up going elsewhere.  But that all will change VERY SOON.  A teacher for mechanics has been hired along with a teacher for agriculture.  Soon the school will be teaching four different courses to help the young people to have a future.