Vocational Empowerment for Orphans
The Bible is filled with quotations and positive observations about "teachers," "teaching," "wisdom and knowledge." We are forever grateful for fine teachers who have gently pushed us in certain directions, occupations and passions.
Examine closely the photograph at the left. What do you see? Three young men? Light bulbs? Light sockets? The man at left teaching? The key to the picture is the writing on the black-board about "wiring accessories." In other words, this is not an English class or a math class but a vocational school, a vocational class that teaches about electricity and wiring. They also teach about farming, carpentry, and brick and concrete laying. Jobs are a way to escape poverty.
At this orphanage/vocational school, the principal said "it is easy to simply give food to orphans. It is much better to also teach them occupational skills so that they can eventually feed themselves and their future families." What wise words! What insightful words! "Vocational empowerment!" "We are teaching these students vocations, and these occupations will empower them into their future." "Vocational empowerment" is, as the Bible says, a fountain of life from which enormous blessings flow. It helps people escape being poor.
This orphanage/vocational school is known as KCI (Kiteredde Construction Institute) and is located in central Uganda. KCI is an older orphanage (1979) and is a highly developed institution, founded by and connected with the Roman Catholic Church. Lutheran World Relief is also a partner of KCI, looking at KCI as a model the younger orphanage at PEHUCCI (previous devotional) can emulate. The younger orphanage (PEHUCCI) has much to learn from KCI about vocational education and organizational leadership. LWR links the two orphanages together to learn from each other. That is a wise move by LWR.
LET US PRAY: Jesus. You are forever teaching us about life, love and wisdom. You are forever teaching us about jobs and occupations, life and love, through fine teachers and mentors. We thank you for all the teachers that you have given to us, and pray that you will bless such educators around the world. May we learn from their wisdom. In Jesus Name.
