School is out in Malawi!

The kids are now enjoying a seven week break before the new school year begins on September 18! The last day of school, or “closing day” is such a fun day. The teachers announce the children that passed. Those that achieved “top of the class” honors receive a fun prize like a pencil or exercise book (notebook). The whole village comes out to see who all made it to the next grade! Some parents hoot and holler and run up to the front of the crowd to embrace their child. They might also press a 500 kwacha bill into their palm or give them treat! Every year, Esther’s House missionaries and staff divide up and head out to all the schools. We want the kids to know we are there rooting them on! All the children that pass receive a soda drink and high fives! Those that don’t make the grades they were hoping for get hugs and plans of how we can improve for the next year.

After the ceremonies, the kids all head back to Esther’s House for a big lunch, worship and Bible teaching, and an epic water balloon fight! All the kids end the day with smiles and anticipation of holiday free time!

At Esther’s House, we want to change up the schedule a little bit and give the kids a break from their normal tutoring schedule, but we don’t want learning to stop! That’s why we just kicked off our “Third Annual Holiday Reading Program”. Our goal during the reading program is for the kids to dive into good books and relish in the enjoyment of traveling the world through text. Each day the kids have different activities that are carefully planned. They hear read-alouds. The younger students buddy up with the older students to enjoy being read to. There are games, crafts, and guest speakers. Each list of 10 books read becomes an entry into our drawing. Before school starts up again, we will select several students from each grade to win a prize! The prizes include treats, a fun snack, a trip to town for ice cream, dinner at a restaurant, and the coveted field trip prize! These are fun incentives to keep the kids engaged and coming daily!