Hello to All,
We are coming again with great praise and thanksgiving. As we all know December is the final month of the year and we were very busy with so many accomplishments for 2015. We finished ONE YEAR of supporting our 75 children and the 10 mothers who were in the widow’s program!
During this month we had meetings as usual with the children and their families. It was very encouraging to us to see such a good response from some of the beneficiaries. We continue to teach those things that are of moral values and give them the means by which they can succeed in life. We trust that they will continue to grow and improve. We also have tutorial classes every Saturday morning during which we teach the children English and math. Many of them are quick to learn and remember what they have learned.
We have seen a lot of exciting things that happened with three of the mothers, in that they seemed to have gotten a new perspective on life that is quite evident. It gives evidence of the value of what we are training them concerning life and teaching them the value of being responsible as well as accountable. Every Friday morning we come together with them for this training and encouragement.
All our children are attending their schools in good health. We visit their schools to monitor their progress and then visit them at home and talk with their family about how they can improve.
Once a month the widows come together to share their experiences with each other. It is a very profitable time for them and helps to encourage them in their work. The staff visits them at their work place to provide guidance and suggest improvements that will expand their businesses. Sister Lemlem is helping our widows in many ways and their progress is very good. She is working hard and we will give you an update soon on their progress and successes. Along with the gathering of the widows we also had a special holiday gift for the children during which time we shared many of the stories of courageous personalities from history along with teaching them some new songs and furthering the children’s relationships with one another.
Work has begun in looking for an auditor to provide the 2015 audit for the organization. An advertisement was posted in the newspaper and we have collected proformas for the position. Please think about us that we will be able to find the right person needed for the position.
The staff continues to work closely with the social worker on home visits and also meets every Friday to evaluate the work looking for ways to improve things along the way.
Work with our special needs child, Besufekad, continues. He is able to attend school regularly and his mother says, “God bless you for the support of his special needs.”
One of our widows did not get her seed money until two weeks ago, but now she got it by meeting all the necessary requirements. Now, all our mothers in the widows program have received their seed money and are running their businesses. Each is doing well with their savings portion of their projects for which we are rejoicing! We have started to select another ten mothers & widows for 2016. We trust we will be finalized soon and start our new program by the 1st of January.
We have been very fortunate to have great favor this past year and we thank all of you for all your love and support of this blessed work. We know that without your great contribution we cannot accomplish this work.
Thank you all for your continued support,
Bro. Jemal and Ethiopian RBW Staff