Graduation 06July08 Meal Afterwards
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Following the graduation ceremonies and the return to the orphanage, it was time to have a special dinner – most of the graduates are sitting with me here at a table inside the home. Many in Liberia are behind in their education due to the civil war (’89-’03)and lack of finances to send the children to school. At the orphanage, they are doing their best to have the funds to send the children to school, though they are relying on outside assistance for tuition and fees.

Graduation 06July08 Party at the House
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

After the graduations from KII and 6th grade at three different schools, we all gathered together for a party at the orphanage. They borrowed a generator and sound equipment from the church. Kennedy, the orphanage director, is giving a short speech, before the music, fun and food of course.

Graduation 06July08 Dancing on the lappa
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

A custom here in Liberia is that during the celebration after graduation the mama puts down her lappa (a piece of cloth) and the children dance around it. In this photo, Jojo, Estella, MaJ, Samuel, Kollie and Moses are celebrating together.

Graduation 06July08 Jojo’s Speech
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

JoJo was the dux (highest grade) for his KII class and had the opportunity to give a speech – written by the owner of the school – in the photo to the right, Mama Comfort. I taught him some things I have learned from Toastmasters. He memorized his speech, had a good voice, maintained eye contact and did a great job. The subject was on the importance of childhood education. I am real proud of him.

Graduation 06July08 4 from Mama Comfort’s School
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Four of the children from the Liberia Children Rescue Education Foundation orphanage graduated from KII on Sunday – in the photo from the left Estella, JoJo, Kollie and MaJ. They are attending Christiana Bedell Preparatory School and the graduation was at the New Georgia United Methodist Church.

Save Them Young Ghana
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

This is the last picture I have from the orphanage Save Them Young in Ghana – from February ’08 – this was the orphanage I most involved with during my time in Ghana. I still stay in touch with Wofa who is on staff there. He has shared in a recent email the prayer request for the children and teens as they need our prayers – there has been some spiritual darkness exhibited by the teens. Please email me if you like more details.