Bethel School of Dumay

 

Lifeline and the Bethel Church supports a school program near the Bethel Church in Dumay. Nearly 300 students attend the school, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years old. Some come each day from as far away as Mount Cha Cha, an hour and a half walk. Without the school, many of these children would be forced to stay home as their families would not be able to afford to send them to another school.

Curriculum and Facilities

The curriculum at the school is similar to what children are taught in other schools and consists of subjects such as reading, math, biology, social science, French / Creole, etc., but the Dumay school also includes instruction on Christian principles and teachings. Other subjects such as English and music were provided at one time but due to a lack in financial support, these subjects had to be eliminated. The school hopes to once again be able to provide these subjects in the future as funds become available.

Approximately 40 to 50 students graduate from the school each year, but there is always a waiting list of children wanting to attend as parents become increasingly aware of the high standard of education and spiritual teachings provided by the school.  Standard government tests given at graduation consistently show the graduates of the school with higher scores than students from other schools in the area.  The Bethel School of Dumay is also the only school in the area that does not rely on government funding.

The school building currently consists of 5 rooms, divided into 9 classes according to age. The rooms are crowded but there is not enough additional space at this time for dividing into smaller groups. The rooms are primitive and furnished with wooden benches and some include a chalkboard and/or maps. There are many needs for additional supplies and furniture, such as chairs.

Administration and Teaching

Classes are currently taught by 9 different teachers with the help of 3 administrators, all supported by the Bethel Church and Lifeline. Parents of the students try to help with costs for items like books when possible, but many of the students come from families that simply cannot afford to do so. There is a great need for continued financial support to keep the school funded, and to allow for additional growth and expanded curriculum for the students. Please be prayerful and contact the Lifeline Board if you feel moved to contribute to this effort.


Noon meal

Students are also fed a noontime meal at the school, which normally consists of rice and beans prepared by the cooks supported through the Bethel Foundation. This meal is consistent with and similar to the feeding program that is also supported by the Bethel Church and Lifeline. For some of these students, these meals may be the only food they receive in a day.

If you are interested in making a donation to support the Dumay school, or if you are interested in joining a Lifeline work team traveling to Dumay, please contact World Relief or the Lifeline Board.