A New Student!

A new addition to my week has been tutoring a precious 6 year old boy named Sipamandela. His name means “Give us Power”. Sipamandela is the son of my good friend Nokuzola from church. I met Nokuzola shortly after I arrived in Cape Town, and had the privilege of staying in her home for an overnight last August. She runs a small bed and breakfast business (giving up her bedroom to guests), which allows foreign visitors to experience the township life and culture. She is a single mother of two children, Tembisa (16) and Sipamandela. They are a very sweet family and love Jesus very much.

Last month Nokuzola approached me with the humble request to tutor her son who is struggling in school (taking the first grade for the second time). Due to my love for her and the flexibility in my week, I of course agreed…but initially hesitating a bit as I had never done this before. Would his work be in English? Would he understand me? Could I give him the specific tools and practice that he needs? Well my doubts were quickly depleted. Now, every Tuesday at 4:30pm I drive out to “Tambo Village” the neighborhood where my church is located to spend time with Sipamandela. We do some basic math problems, practice the English letters and sounds, practice writing his name and simple words…and then read lots of books. Each week I bring with me a big bag of Children’s Books and he gets to pick a few for me to read. I love reading to children…it is honestly one of my greatest joys. Thank you Jesus for giving me this new opportunity!