POSTCARD FROM AFRICA-- February 2025

LITTLE BOX OF WONDERS

 A few years ago, Orchard: Africa, with the help of volunteers from the United States, developed a twelve-month preschool curriculum designed in a unique way. Each month, pastors collect a tote box from our Impact Center that includes daily lessons for the teacher to present, the necessary story books that accompany the lessons as well as the worksheets, activities and school supplies needed for the children. It is a fully prepared curriculum-in-a-box.

Xhobani Bonani, nicknamed Mazizi, is a little boy who, after he  graduated from Fountain of Hope church preschool, was enrolled in Grade R (Kindergarten) at a local government primary school. During his first few weeks in class, Mazizi stood out, excelling in class activities. The teacher realized that he was performing beyond the Grade R lessons so she took the matter to the principal of the school, celebrating that one of her new students was performing so well. He was confident in introducing himself in English, he aced the alphabet lessons, his number work was excellent, and he was skillful in writing.

The principal, after assessing Mazizi, decided that it would be best to promote him to 1st grade. Mazizi passed his first year with ease and excellence and in January, the beginning of the school year, he started Grade 2.

When Mazizi’s mom shared the news with his pastor and preschool teacher, the teacher, referring to the monthly totes, said that Mazizi’s success was made possible by the little box of wonders received from Orchard: Africa every month.

We are so grateful to you, our Orchard Community, who makes it possible for us to fill the preschool totes every month with curriculum and supplies as well as give consistent monthly training to preschool teachers. Mazizi’s success is your success.