The Gugu Community Development and Building Association has been able to continue its programs into 2008. We have seen growth in our existing programs and an addition of some new programs. The school has undergone classroom makeovers, including new white boards, and this new look is symbolic of our success this year.
However, we have faced many challenges as well. The center, especially the school, is facing financial difficulties, as there is an extreme lack of funding and donations. Teachers have not received their salaries and it is a struggle to meet the demands of rent for our building each month. We are looking for ways to continue financing our programs. Despite these programs, we have been able to have the following programs:
Kindergarten- Our kindergarten program has been continuing successfully. We have 45 young children, ages 3 to 6 years old, attending from 8:00 to 1:00 every day except Friday and Sunday.
Gugu Learning Center- We are still providing education to our many students in grades 1 to 5. To improve our program, we have shifted all of the classes to the morning session. Fourteen staff members help administrate the school and teach the children.
Sports Program – Our sports program has been an exciting new addition to our programs. We are renting a playground at a local Egyptian school twice a week to allow approximately 75 children to play and exercise while receiving sports instruction.
After School Program- We have been having an academic based after school program for children on Monday afternoons. The children were chosen based on behavior and academic performance to attend. They have an English lesson, sing songs, make a craft, and play games. Beginning next month, we will have a separate program for girls only to discuss issues and have fun at the same time.
Reading Program- We are fortunate to have some volunteers who will begin an after school reading program next month. The volunteers will come once a week to sit and read with the students and also have the students read to them.
Adult Education- The adult education program is expanding rapidly. The first term of the English courses has recently finished. There were over 40 students in classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two hours. These students come from Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Burundi, Algeria, and Egypt. On our first day of placement testing for the next term, 46 students came to register for the next term. We expect to have over 100 students in two different sessions for the next 10-week term.
The Gugu Center has also been hosting Arabic courses twice a week for two hours in conjunction with AMERA. This provides an opportunity for refugees, especially from Ethiopia and Eritrea, to learn Arabic.
Computer Lab- We have been able to utilize our computer lab in a more efficient and beneficial way. We have started an Internet café which is open everyday from 1:00pm to late evening for members of the community. We also have an international calling center.
Music Program- 15 people have been meeting every Friday to learn the basics of music, including how to play the piano and guitar.
Training with CEOSS- There are four students ready to begin training with CEOSS for 2008.
Computer Maintenance Course- We will have 10 students take a computer maintenance course at our center beginning next month.
Prayer Group- Gugu has opened our center to allow 25 people to use our space for prayer group. This gives an opportunity for fellowship for those who usually work during church services.
