Born out of a vision from Finnish missionaries, the Lutheran Non Formal school is an outreach to disadvantaged youths in grades 6-8. The school began meeting under shade trees within the Kisumu Lutheran Compound, and has now grown to fill 3 classrooms with about 80 kids.
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| Tim discussing force and acceleration in 6th grade science. |
Tim has completed a full week working with the students and assisting the teaching staff of 4 Kenyan educators. He as taken responsibility for 6th grade math and science, 7th grade English, and 8th grade math.
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| Tim leading morning chapel. |
Because the school’s students come from backgrounds of poverty, drug abuse, and dropping out of previous public schools, a non traditional schedule allows extreme fluidity of subjects and class periods. Adjusting to a school without a strict structure has led to some confusion and stress for Tim. However, the progress made with these students indicates the school's success. The Lutheran Non Formal school is providing a safe place for these students to stay off the street and learn in a loving Christian environment. Some of the 8th grade students are even showing the potential to pass their national exam at the end of this term and earn a spot in secondary school.
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| For 8th grade math, the 33 pupils share about 7 textbooks. |
Tim is enjoying building relationships with the students and is finding the respect and discipline in Kenyan students, even middle school kids, is a welcome change from entitled attitudes of students in the US. Introducing teaching techniques such as Think Pair Share, and authentic assessments, Tim is also helping to bring some engaging instructional practices to a school with limited resources.
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| Students taking a closer look. |
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