KENYAN
PARTNERS
The staff of Connect Academy, the free preschool that Africa Connect supports, are not merely paid staff; they are a stable and hardworking team, partners in the vision for their community and committed to giving the children a nurturing love that heals, and an education that excels. This preschool has become an exemplary school, its graduates sought after by local primary schools desiring to raise their standing.
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Africa Connect invests in professional training for the staff, seeking to improve their lives even as they sacrificially serve others. Because the students come from desperate situations, often with little or no discipline, the staff duties go well beyond the norm. Often you will find them taking time to wash a neglected child, counsel a parent, or after a long day, visiting the homes of their students to better evaluate the needs and connect with the family.
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Each teacher is certified in Early Childhood Development, and has received training in first aid, HIV related situations, computer, cell group leadership, and Bible. In addition to administrators and teachers, the staff consists of two social workers, three kitchen workers, a groundskeeper and two watchmen.
Apollo Juma is Pastoral Leader for the Africa Connect sponsored programs in Kenya. Since 2012, he has consistently demonstrated integrity, humility, discipline and unwavering passion for teaching the Word of God and reaching out with the gospel to the needy. His teaching, his professional work as a head administrator in the Kenyan primary school system, and his family life serving alongside his wife Rose Juma, provide a tremendous example for not only the church, but other leaders in the community. Together they find time to build the new church plant, Connect Chapel, lead prayer meetings and Bible studies, and consistently visit people in their homes in the slum.
Apollo works hard to build a strong and capable leadership team and stresses the importance of unity and mentoring leaders to share the burden and responsibility. He is an excellent Bible teacher, and speaks to an estimated 3+ million throughout Kenya and Uganda through his two weekly Imani radio broadcasts. This has provided many opportunities for him to travel to speak in other areas of Kenya, as well as Tanzania and Uganda.
Rose Juma has for over 14 years been very instrumental in the work in Kitale. Besides serving as pastor's wife, teacher, women’s leader and worship leader, Rose is the full time Project Manager of Africa Connect programs as well as a devoted mother of three, and is seen as "Mama" to the children in our program as well as many families.
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She has received training in Secretarial and Computer Skills, and demonstrates wisdom and diligence in her duties. Her regular reporting helps to maintain a strong partnership. Included in her duties is oversight of the Connect Premiere Preschool and Primary staff and activities, and Empowerment programs, which are all growing at a phenomenal pace.
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It is a wonderful privilege to work with this couple; their selfless love and dedication is truly an example to us and to so many.