Reforming Education In Zimbabwe

As we reach the halfway mark of 2013, we are reaffirming our commitment to pursue God and make sure He is First in everything we are endeavoring to do. Entropy is the natural decline in this world that leads towards chaos and decay—as it is in the natural so it is in the spiritual. Reversing the effects of entropy spiritually depends on our vigilance in resisting the works of the flesh, the world and the devil. We cannot allow ourselves the luxury of giving in to even one day of letting up. If you stop weeding your garden it will soon become a jungle; if you fail to repair your home it will eventually become dilapidated. Once again, as it is in the natural so it is in the spirit. Let's continue to put God First. — Pastor Tom Deuschle

If you build it, they will come.” — Building, Educating, Impacting

It wasn’t so long ago when Zimbabwe had one of the highest standards of excellence in education throughout Africa, but with many years of economic hardships and financial downturns, its schools have suffered. Most school systems still cannot support their student bodies, while others turn away many children because they cannot afford to pay tuition fees.

Part of Celebration’s vision is to act as an agent of reform in the Zimbabwean education system. To create a place where students are excellently taught, and where the nation's vast amount of orphans and less fortunate are able to attain an elite education; propelling them to fulfill their dreams and God’s call on their lives. A place where students are trained with a biblical worldview, developed with a Godly character, and educated with world‐class standards. Where school, church and community work together to empower future leaders—equipping them to impact their communities and the world.

This mission begins with Celebration International School (CIS' in Harare, Zimbabwe. If you walked through the doors of CIS this very morning, you would see organized halls filled with respectful students in matching uniforms carrying their books as they filed into classrooms, while committed teachers and administrators prep for the day. It’s the product of eight years in the making—from a one-room schoolhouse with 12 students in 2002 to 150 students to date (preschool to grade 12'. A mere idea spurred on by the Spirit and birthed into a real life learning institution—with BIG plans. Pastors Tom & Bonnie have received the mandate and are pressing on to fulfill their vision for reformation in Zimbabwe’s education sector.

Recently Internationally Accredited, Celebration International School is one of only two schools in Zimbabwe to hold such a title (International Christian Accrediting Association, AdavanceED and Oral Roberts University Educational Foundation', which means CIS students are now recognized and respected worldwide.

The “School Building Project” —a pioneering, financially rewarding, and exciting initiative with state-of-the-art facilities—will see the school's enrollment double from its 150 pupils to over 300 by the end of 2015. Phase II of the four-stage process is underway as foundation pegs and excavations have engendered excitement from those involved. 

“In a time when most are consolidating, we are building,” said the CIS Headmaster, while shuffling through blueprints of what the future school will look like once construction is complete.

But in order for this vision to come to pass, CIS needs help.  The school is in need of a cafeteria, ten classrooms, administration offices, an infirmary, restrooms, two laboratories and much more, as many open spaces are already being shared and used for multi-purposes. For example, upon entering CIS you may be greeted by the entire student congregation because the entrance hall also serves as the assembly room.

Celebration and CIS are looking for people to partner with them in impacting and reforming Zimbabwe’s education sector and it’s future. CIS’s goal is to invest in the next generation of leaders—its students—giving them the opportunity, avenues and facilities to discover their God-given gifts to be an effective influence in the city of Harare and beyond.

If you are interested in partnering with CIS or sponsoring a prospective student, please contact Evelyn Goneli via email csadmin@celebration-school.org or phone +263-4-850880-92.  You can also click here to donate (please notate that your donation is for the school'. Thank you for your part in helping change a nation!

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Posted on July 19, 2013 by Celebrate