Rhandzanani Christian School, established in 2007 in Vladimir Lenin, Xai-Xai, Mozambique, caters to the Early Childhood Development needs of the community.
The school plays a very important role for children between the ages of 2 and 6, as well as their parents. While children spend their day at the school, engaging in educational outdoor activities that build their cognitive and motor skills, their parents are free to be economically active and provide for their families.
Principles of Rhandzanani Christian School
While at school, the children are taught many life skills that stay with them throughout life, based on 10 basic principles:
- At school, children speak Portuguese, which is the official language of government in Mozambique. This encourages them to speak the language better.
- Children are taught basic etiquette, such as to keep the school grounds clean, to allow older people preference and to be respectful of girls, among others.
- When in class, which is only 1 hour per day, children are taught to sit still and concentrate, so that they can learn better.
- Children are taught that “there is no formation without information.”
- “Tomorrow begins today,” is one of the repeated messages children are taught. This ensures that they understand that taking small steps every day builds to a reward in the future.
- The importance of good decision-making is taught to the children through the words “every idea has consequences.” Whether those consequences are positive or negative depends on the decision made.
- Every day includes a reading from the Bible.
- Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my Shepherd”) is recited regularly to instil faith even in trying times.
- Deuteronomy 33:3 is recited to instil the certainty that the children are loved. “The LORD loves his people and protects those who belong to him. So we bow at his feet and obey his commands.” (Good News Translation)
- Each day includes prayer, and the children are taught that God listens to and answers prayers.
School Life in Mozambique
Children are provided with a meal while at school, and they are bathed before leaving the school to go home, making life a little easier for parents.
While the school does charge school fees, these are often waived, although they do not cover the school’s expenses. It relies heavily on outside support and donations to sustain itself.
Schools in this area of Mozambique are often overcrowded or simply do not have space for more learners. Rhandzanani Christian School hopes to alleviate some of this challenge in the future with its vision to become a school that will cater for the entire schooling career of children in the area.
Rhanzanani Christian School’s Future
Much will need to be done before that vision can materialize, as the school currently only consists of three classrooms and a kitchen, and financial viability and sustainability will need to be established through donations and support from a wider, international community that supports its vision.
To find out more or to donate to this cause, please get in touch with Israel or Rachel.
