This is the motto of Dadani Technological and
Vocational School. Founder, C.T.
Dadani Tennyson spent some time wrestling with what was needed in the children's
education. He recognized that every child, no matter what their position in
life, possessed value and had something worthwhile to contribute. And that their contribution was actually
necessary.
( Blessing comes to school to study, even on
Saturday because here she feels loved and more "normal."
A birth deformity in
her hip fills every step she takes with pain.)
A child like Blessing is actually deemed useless
because of the deformity she lives with. As an object of ridicule and rejection,
Blessing lived with shame, lack of confidence, and a lot of emotional pain.
Dadani worked with her to help her reconstruct how
she thought about herself. He told
Blessing, "I was born with black skin and a long chin. I cannot change these
things. All people are born with things they cannot change. So, we must forget
about them and concentrate on what we can do something about. You are smart, you can learn. You can use your hands and mind on tasks
that you are capable of." This
resonated with Blessing and opened the doors of her mind to view the work in
terms of what she COULD do and to stop wasting her energy focused on all the
things she couldn't do.
Blessing cannot run a relay race, but she can learn
to make a bed, greet people and serve them food. She can learn to keep books. And these skills are "necessary" in
society. The Dadani school takes a
child "where they are" and teaches them skills that build their self esteem and
gives them confidence and pride in being useful.
(HHTH has been supporting Tafadzwa's
tuition for over 2 years.)
A large part of HHTH's mission is to empower people
with education. Tafadzwa's father
abandoned him and his Mother when he was less than 2 years old. He has not seen nor heard from his father
since then and he is now 16 or 17 years old. A single parent in a fragile
society like Zimbabwe cannot escape the harsh cruelty of poverty. By being able to attend Dadani School,
Tafadzwa has a chance to learn skills and eventually get a job. He is highly
interested in Computer Sciences and applies his effort in this field. He will be
able to graduate in about 1 1/2 years prepared to go to university. Tafadzwa is
also an accomplished chess player and holds the honor of regional champion. With your continued support, Tafadzwa will
give us all reasons to be rewarded for giving him a "Helping Hand." His obstacle is not a physical one, but he
is learning to believe he is worth more than being abandoned, and that he can
add value to the world around him.
(Ernest (middle) is another child we chose
to take care of his tuition.
Parents are required to pay 20% of the child's
tuition to show they are willing to do what they can.)
Ernst was also born with a defect in his foot and
leg. Here again, by their society's standards, he is also thought of as
useless.
(Ernest's right leg is shorter than his
left and twisted in such a way that he has created another bottom for him to
walk on.)
Ernst has actually rejected being rejected. He has learned to keep up with the other
children in spite of his physical difficulties. He runs, not very fast, but he
doesn't quit and he plays soccer. His
courage and determination are a shining light. He may not be able to compete in
a tennis tournament, but he can learn auto mechanics, raising chickens, how to
become a chef or piggery.
The great spirit in his heart caterpults him
forward. He knows he can be
useful.
(Your generosity makes it possible for HHTH
to cover 80% of these 3 children's tuition.
Their chance to go on to University
is now greatly increased.)
HHTH is committed to using your generous
contributions to help these children in their fight to overcome some very
challenging obstacles. There is such rich fulfillment in knowing these special
children have found a more level playing field. They could not have done this
alone.
And now for a short delightful other story.
(Dadani Librarian, Nyasha keeps Library
standing tall as she encourages the children to read.)
HHTH has such appreciation for Nyasha, the librarian
at Dadani. She is a soft, consistent encourager to the children to broaden their
works by reading books.
As you know, Kenwood Church conducted a huge book
drive resulting in over 7,000 books to start the Dadani library. After two years
of shipping entanglements, the books finally got there. Nyasha painstakingly
went through every single book and order rose through the chaos. Her efforts are
worthy of notice, and since it is the only library in Victoria Falls, the
community is allowed to come in and check out books.
The quiet work of such an unsung hero as Nyasha could
very easily slip by unnoticed.
(Because she is so devoted to the children,
Nyasha is a hero to us. A small token of appreciation gift brought her huge
joy!)
HHTH wanted to honor Nyasha's contribution, so, we
brought her a small tube of elegantly scented body lotion and a purse size
bottle of fragrant cologne.
(Her spontaneous hug filled my heart with
tenderness.)
The exuberant show of her gratitude for the gifts was
soul satisfying.
Until the next story...
From the Bush, Sidney
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