It seem that Government Schools have everywhere excelled in reaping the best results ever - one school having more than 280 'A's. GREAT satisfaction for the Government who has for years been trailing PRIVATELY run Schools, and has been doing its best to turn the tables on them, in proving their's are ultimately the best Schools with the best chances, even if less materially blessed. Of course it would obviously seem to be what we ALL want - to see 'E's and 'D's being erradicated in favour of more 'C's, 'B's. and 'A's.
Our own Examination Class of 37 did better than in 2014, in that our Index number has risen by 1 this year which is ever encouraging. However, We had nothing beyond 'B-' in individual results - and we had 13 'B-'s - although in our Mocks we had 'A' and 'B+' students. This was quite a shock for many. We felt, looking at our results generally, that there was every sign they may have been marked DOWN. Comparing this with Results from other 'Private' School, somehow substantuates this opinion, which is troubling. Last Year Government teachers went on strike, and government schools even closed, whilst 'Private' schools continued to function the whole time. Might this in someway be 'revenge'? BUT looking back all the way from when we commenced School in 1981 there has been this kind of government resentment as their schools were increasingly being put in the shade by private enterprise. Probably good for them in the long run, but I feel they may have wanted to hurry things up, and to somehow redeem their educational reputation by seeming to put the private sector MORE in the shade. This has seemed to be the case increasingly over the past three or four years. Sad and disappointing and not something to be condoned. And not something to give in to. The Gauntlet has been thrown down - it is for the Challenged to pick it up and prove themselves in fair and open combat.
For our own youngsters, B- still permits them to be called to University, and certainly they will find openings into Certificate and Diploma College opportunities. Although, to some extent, their ardour has been little dampened by their results, they have also rejoiced, and are now anxious to press on to the next important chapter in their lives.
THE IMPORTANT ISSUE HERE is to be able to see both Government and Private Education pulling together to offer the best to all our students throughout the land. It will be ruinous to see one section working against the other. This, even if not a planned scenario, can happen due the caprisciousness of 'parents' who are always shopping for 'better' schools for their children. NOW, for example, many will be considering moving their children from Private to Government Schools - and if this were to happen then the brightest in one or other Sector would move out to the other, leaving the poorest behind. A real and possible setback for REAL progress in our School System, and for our students in particular.
IN OUR OWN CASE if our patronage were to decrease and student population diminish then we might have to face the possibility of eventual closure, since we would not be able to meet our financial responsabilities. This threat, especially in the area of Secondary School, is certainly closer than a year ago. BUT we have endured all things and been overcome by none through these many years. IN GOD we are well kept and secured. We shall not fear or tremble at the advent of future trends and ideas. We shall STAND where we stand, with GOD, and press foreward toward the Mark. He called us to finally build a SCHOOL for the good and prestige of our orphans - and it is built, and active and advancing - so that, as I mentioned earlier, even though we may have been marked down on individual performance the School has none the less moved UP in its general Index. Hallelujah!
A YEAR OR SO AGO a dear friend and sister in Jesus passed on to glory. Unknown to us she had arranged in her Will to leave a small Legacy to the work and ministry of TFH. It still has not reached us, although we were in fact notified about it last year in the month of December. It seems somehow to be coming to us via the good offices of U.K.E.T. I must say I have never heard of anything of this nature taking so long to reach its destination. And we having been in great need of its expected relief for almost the day it was donated. Sure the donor, would be 'turning in her grave' with righteous indignation at the thought of the diversion of her wishes. But of course our Father in Heaven is aware. So is the Devil, I guess. Just be aware and careful about what is yours - I mean when you have 'passed on', someone else will be in charge of it, and its use. They may not have your purpose in mind when they become your Executor. Forunately I have nothing to leave behind for another, so no one will feel the loss of, or the delay in receiving it. Probate, of course, can delay things, but surely in any ordinary matter, not for a year plus. I have wondered if Monies left in a Will can be deposited in some Bank Deposit A/c to accrue Interest - we have seen this happen here in Kenya - where banks sometimes hold up incoming funds just for the sake of making a shilling or two on the side. They never give any extra to us! These days there is so much corruption everywhere - Kenya has just been rated the 3rd most corrupt Country in the World.
SINCE FEBRUARY 1st we have been experiencing a normal HOT/DRY Season here. Beautiful weather. Another month still in front of us. Water still rationed, and nights unbearably hot and sticky. Esther and I have just been getting over a dose of 'flu, and today the whole place - Homes and School are busy with a Swimming Gala with competitiors from among our own children in School and Homes, as well as others from five more schools. An all day affair, but perfect weather for it. This is the 2nd Gala of its kind to be held here, and has become intensely popular due to the fact that our Pool is the right 'competition' size. A BIGGER four day Competition is scheduled for mid August this year, with Teams from Uganda, Tanzania and other States around including, of course, a National Team from Kenya herself.LOOKING FORWARD this month to a visit from Paula and Georgina White from Folkstone in Kenya, England. They will be with us from 26th to 8th April. Then shortly aftwerwards our old friends from Huddersifield, Ian an Diana Hogley will be with us again. Probably we might also have a visit from our little daughter Helen and baby Abigail who are now in Niarobi, where Helen is now into her 2nd month teaching at her old School, where she was employed in 2013. Abigail will be 2 on the 19th of this Month. They hope to come in the April School Holiday period.
Our children, Steven, Michael, and Elisabeth were all able to attend the Memorial Service for our dear friend and brother Stan Hyde held in Brixham, Devon on 25th February.
Our dear brother and sister Nicholls of Aenon Trust also attended. It was a very wonderful occassion.
We do continue to Thank our Father in Heaven for you all, for your care and for your faithfulness in praying for us. We did have a collection passed on via AENON on the February, and after the next transfer we will as usually be sending our Update to all those who may have contributed. Bless you all, with all our hearts.
John, Esther and Daryl
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