They sing like angels...

Why is it that music, art, and sports seem to be the first things that get cut in schools? Because they aren't seen as essential...they are not a part of the fundamental skills needed in basic education...they are extra...for fun.

It's true, they are fun, but they can also be huge motivators in getting students to like school...not to mention that they help develop well-rounded students and have been scientifically proven to help develop mathematics concepts and specific brain functions.

Plus, look at many of the highest paid people in the world...actors, athletes, and musicians!

What does this all look like here in Uganda? You can often walk by a typical school here in Uganda and here singing. They've got that one for sure! But a lack of resources and creative teachers make any other type of performing art/athletics virtually non-existent.

BUT...Christopher House Ministries is a local ministry that teaches students about character and the arts. The students at Maranatha Christian School (the school I'm teaching at) have been going to Christopher House once a week since the beginning of the term in Feb. Students committed themselves, for the duration of the term, to the area of focus they were most interested in: Arts & Crafts, Music & Dance, or Sports.

Each week they are excited to go...although most of the teachers gripe about the 30 minute walk there and then back during school hours. The students practically run the entire distance to make the most of their time...they are focused on their task for the whole of the hour spent there, something rarely seen in the classrooms back at school.

Today Christopher House Ministries had their Easter Celebration. Today was their day to show off what the students have learned, although most of the performances were by children who attend the Saturday Program.

I must say...I was impressed. They performed songs, dances, and skits. Even fairly young children were not timid in front of the crowd of parents. Their voices were beautiful...and man were those young girls good at twisting their hips!

Without a doubt Christopher House Ministries is doing something positive for the children in this community...and here in Uganda.