In the wake of school closures to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Guinean government has promised students that important year-end tests will take place to avoid repeating this academic year.
This is great news, but it has presented a dilemma for 20 C&MA schools here. The tests need to be taken in a safe environment. But because school closures have brought in no income over the past two months, private schools haven’t had the financial resources to meet the testing safety requirements.
Thanks to gifts to CAMA, we’ve been able to provide needed supplies for our schools to meet the COVID-19 safety requirements, allowing students the opportunity to test.
Along with a mask for each student, the schools received handwashing buckets, bleach, a backpack decontamination sprayer, and a color brochure explaining the coronavirus and how best to protect oneself.
Pastor Lucien Kourouma, who has headed up One Mask, One Student, says he’s never seen such a well-received project. He reports being welcomed at each school with great joy.
A Win-Win Situation
In addition, students spend hours upon hours reviewing for tests. Typically, this is done in a large classroom. Of course, with COVID-19 restrictions specific to physical distancing, this is impossible.
The solution?
Our C&MA schools have set up 150 mini-study groups to meet in neighborhoods that comply with physical distancing restrictions. Each study group will receive a handwashing kit.
This is a win-win situation. Smaller study groups mean more help for individual students. This also presents Christian teachers an incredible opportunity—the chance to develop deeper relationships with the students’ families and neighborhoods.
Please join us in praying for teachers and students as they prepare for these year-end tests.
by Alliance workers Lori and Stephen Albright, serving with CAMA in Guinea