What is worse than being poor and living in a third world country? Being poor, living in a third world country and having "special needs".
Lysson's Special Education School has four classrooms each with approximately 15 children. It is led by an inspiring Christian lady, who also serves as a minister. She gives of her money, time, and heart to these children, despite overwhelming odds. Her needs and the needs of the children are great. The most needed is a program for the children once they have to leave at age 13. There is no training, no further education, no jobs, and no hope. The teacher says that graduation is the saddest day of the year, because she knows that many will go home and become a burden upon the families. She says they frequently become victims of sexual and physical abuse.
While we are praying for a solution to this, a more solvable problem has become apparent. The roof leaks! It leaks in many places and the rafters and plywood holding it up is rotten and in some places is falling. It rains a lot in Jamaica and when it does, things get wet in the school. Look at the photos and you will see the students, the teacher, and the rain damage. We are planning to take a team to replace the roof and supporting timbers either very late in 2008 or in 2009. The work will be made more complicated by the fact that the children need the classrooms and we cannot work with them there.
If you have interest in supporting this work or helping us, please contact us! You would truly be blessed!
