Miles In Missions

High school kids in Nigeria are very similar to high school kids in the U.S. At age 14,15 & 16 they have no clue what they want to do for the rest of their lives. They may think of something that sounds flashy like an Artist or something that they know makes a lot of money like a Doctor. This is of course is a great goal. When you ask what University do they want to go to and what kind of Doctor or Artist they want to be…you normally get a blank stare. Kids are kids no matter where you are in the world. The difference in Nigeria is that TV, books and movies are not as widely utilized. You would be surprised how many children know the word airplane but have never actually seen one live or as a toy, in a book or even on TV. In the U.S. kids can see a doctor on television or read about them in books and know they have will see blood and wear a white jacket etc. In Nigeria, some have never even seen a doctor before.

An apprenticeship is the only way Nigerian kids can see trades and truly understand what they do and how they work. C.A.R.E. kids are required to complete one during their Holiday breaks. University in Nigeria is very hard to get accepted into and it is very costly. The ones that can afford University tend to graduate with a certificate that they will never use and end up back home with the family barely making ends meet. Learning a trade in Nigeria is a much better option for most. Electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, seamstress and many other trades are high in demand in Nigeria.

Our E.H.R. staff have stepped up and taken such pride in our program. Many have made friendships with these kids that have continued over the years. This year we were so excited that the medical side of Egbe joined in with us. We were able to have apprenticeships in Lab, Pharmacy, Records, HIV/AIDS Clinic and our Pastoral Care. Every morning as we make our rounds to check on the kids, their smiles and their mentors smiles show us how much this program is a blessing to both the kids and their mentors. Our C.A.R.E. kids are truly experiencing Jesus in so many different ways through this program. I am just exited that I get to watch it all unfold.