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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
October 2006 |
Mission volunteers work, visit Sierra Leone schools, sites
BAOMA, Sierra Leone - Operation Classroom continued its mission to Sierra Leone with a team of five Hoosier United Methodists who participated in a work trip, July 7-29.
Kay Hess of Chester Heights UMC; Janet Compton of Shelbyville First UMC; Joyce Conrad of Connersville Grace UMC; Kristen Siebert of Brookville UMC and Chuck Hefley of Kokomo Grace UMC, put a fresh coat of paint on the school in Baoma, Sierra Leone. They painted three buildings and six classrooms, and put in glass for new windows in several classrooms.
The team also provided a steel door and window bars to a room where nationally standardized tests are scored. The school is currently a test administration site. The lack of a "strong room" for test storage meant someone had to drive 20 minutes each way, each day to store the tests in a secure location.
The team worked side-by-side with nine of the school's teachers while children from the neighborhood came daily to see the progress and play with homemade bottle rockets made from corn cob, a piece of tire and a long plant stem. Joe Fondoh, the village chief, also came several times to sit and watch the team work, while thanking them for all of Operation Classroom's work in the village of Baoma.
Celebrations after work
The team's last day in Baoma was spent at the principal's house where they celebrated with over 30 of the villagers. The Bo District Superintendent led the festivities, which included a devotion, introductions, thank you speeches - from both sides - and gifts. Each team member received a handmade banner with his or her name on it and a shirt-and-pants outfit. The team presented the school with a Bible, a new soccer ball and a toolbox with tools.
On the weekends the team visited other UMC projects in Bo, Sierra Leone, a larger city about 20 minutes from Baoma. The team visited the Children's Rescue Center, an orphanage supported by the Virginia conference. They also visited a UMC health clinic and participated in Sunday worship at Bo Centenary UMC where they were warmly welcomed into the congregation.
Kay Hess, team leader, said, "the highlight of my trip was when the people of Bo Centenary School had a big celebration for us."
New generator installed
Kokomo District supports the school and Chuck Hefley had brought $1,000 from his church to buy the school a new generator. Those at the school were not expecting this gift and put together a huge celebration for the team. First, they were met at their van by five cultural dancers in full costume. They then met with 20 of the school's teachers and had a dedication for the generator. The ceremony was concluded when each of the team's women were given dresses and Chuck was given a shirt. The group then shared dinner with those from the school where they enjoyed traditional music.
On their way to Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, the team stopped to visit schools and a summer camp. Once in Freetown, they visited attractions, ate at local restaurants and met with Bishop Humper, Sierra Leone's resident bishop.
"We are tourists for awhile and we are volunteers for awhile, but most of all we are representing the Indiana United Methodists to our Sierra Leone counterparts," said Hess.
Those interested in participating in future Operation Classroom trips need to visit the Web site www.operationclassroom.org. An OC team will be traveling again in mid-June 2007 for about three weeks.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008