Working in the Library

Hello again!

This fall has brought a lot of changes for me since I've gone back to school with the kids to teach in the library. It's been fun but busy and challenging!

Flag lowering at the end of the day

We've been having a contest in the library to see which class can read silently for the longest amount of time. It is not an easy task since they are very loud by nature and love to talk to each other. Here are the winners! They were the first class to make it to the goal of reading silently for twenty minutes. Now they're listening to books on tape, reading with buddies, and improving their writing. 

Third grade students with new book donations 

It's been encouraging to see kids having fun reading especially since many of them come from homes where parents are illiterate or have very low levels of education. Even ones who told me that reading was boring are finding books that they can enjoy.

They love reading!

This group is actually reading!

Loud fourth Graders caught reading quietly

In a few weeks, a teacher will return from maternity leave and I'll have less responsibilities in the library. I still plan to help out though. I just love seeing kids learning to love to read!

Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who are celebrating it this week!

Marcie Cooper

Director's Retreat

Hello!

When Paul took on the role of Director of ANIJA, he wondered how hard it could be. He would oversee directors of academics, administration, sponsorship and spiritual life. People were already in place running the bakery, AWANA, a homework program, and a youth club. No problem, right?

An ANIJA student at work

In reality, Paul is a school principal and more. Most of our three hundred plus students come from difficult backgrounds and living situations. Some of them really know how to cause trouble! The school is still growing and, the year after next, we'll have two classes per grade up to Grade 8. Paul has put a whole manual of policies and procedures into place and is still working on improving practices. With the help of the other directors, he manages over fifty staff. He also has to prepare for teams that come to help with construction and other projects. There's always something going on! It's a great ministry to be part of but it's also nice to take a break.

Last week-end, we went on a retreat for Kids Alive directors of schools, care centres, and children's homes here in the Dominican Republic. A few of them were missionaries like us but most were Dominicans. It was a great group of people!  

I was having camera trouble but managed to get a few pictures during free time. The slackline was my boys' favourite!

Now we're wrapping up the school year with just two more weeks of classes and then exams. Even Grade 1 students write exams! New sponsor students have been chosen for the fall and teachers will soon need to be placed. There are always challenges for directors! Please pray for Paul as he leads ANIJA and for our other site directors around the island. They have big jobs but also big rewards as we see children's lives changed.

Thank you!

Marcie Cooper

A Column

Hello from the Dominican Republic!

Yes, we are still alive and well! I know that I need to give a few more updates on here but, in the meantime, here's a link to a column I was recently asked to write for the Trinity Western University Alumni Association. And a cute face of one of our students just for fun. Enjoy!

Marcie Cooper

Back to School

Good morning!

After a very busy summer, our kids are back to school. I'm not sure if they really wanted to go or not but, in the end, they got dressed and ready with an extra couple minutes for picture taking.

We'll start homeschool in the afternoons next week.

Please pray for us and the school year ahead. 

1) For Paul to provide good leadership to the school

2) For staff unity and discipline

3) For students (ours included!) to grow in their faith and academics

Thank you!

Marcie

University Graduation

Hi! This afternoon we had the opportunity to attend the University Graduation of a number of our teachers. We have been to First Grade Graduations, Eighth Grade Graduations, and High School Graduations, but this was our first time for a University Graduation. It was a lot like any other graduation except that it rained through the entire ceremony. The tent we were under sprung a leak and left a big wet circle on Paul's shoulder! I wasn't in a good spot to take pictures but here are a couple that turned out:

Doris was our daughter's teacher in Grade 2

Melina (left) taught her in Kindergarten
Jessica (right) taught her this year

Many of our teachers start out as assistants then move into teaching roles while still working on their degrees. The percentage of people who actually attend university here in the Dominican Republic is extremely small and most that we have known have taken classes while working. Only 10-12% graduate from high school, let alone university. We are so proud of our graduates!

Marcie Cooper