Why is this building necessary? Having finished their primary or junior secondary school education, many village young people do not have the contacts (people to stay with) or finances to continue their education away from home. In some cases Christian young people could stay with family members. However, often the families they stay with are not Christian and under peer and family pressure the young people are encouraged to give up on their Christianity. Some are able to find a place to stay in ‘boarding schools’ but places are limited and there too peer pressure is high. Even if they acquire a place in a boarding school or with family, the study environment is generally poor affecting their results. Others, who have recently become Christians, are in need of a temporary place to stay because they have been rejected by their families or communities.
The Hostel provides:
- a home to live in with house parents;
- a Christian environment; formation and growth in faith;
- Christian literature; support and encouragement in studies;
- parental care, guidance and counselling;
- skills and material support for those in need.
In October 2008, the first 16 students (aged between 13 and 20) from different religious backgrounds arrived to join Pastor Barnabas and his wife Lardi, the house parents. The next phase of the building project is now underway with the construction of a kitchen and two reception rooms. When it is complete, the hostel will provide accommodation for up to 50 students.
The hostel faces many challenges as it strives to provide good support for the students in its care. One of these challenges is the need for student bicycles. Some of them do not have bicycles and walk more than 10 kms a day to and from their schools. For those with bicycles, there are times when these break down and the students themselves do not have money to repair them. The hostel would also like to build up a library and buy books that will help the students with their homework.
Supporting the work of 'Tahima Yili':
If you would like more information about the hostel or are interested in supporting/partnering with us in any of our specific projects, please contact us.
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