Over the last few months, the Justice Team has been sharing with the Glenn congregation information about many of our local partners that Glenn supports and engages with. We will be continuing this effort throughout the rest of the year. This month, we are going to use a wider lens and share with you information about the global partners that Glenn supports through your pledges and donations. Although these partners are in three different countries – and in fact on three different continents – they all share in common a desire to improve educational opportunities for children.
Zimbabwe
“Glenn scholars” at the primary and secondary schools in the Munyarari region of Zimbabwe are sporting completely redesigned uniforms this year, just like the ones worn by their classmates. These “Glenn scholars” are considered “vulnerable” because their families are strained by harsh climate, disease in their community, and poverty.
Glenn scholars in new uniforms, Munyarari Schools in Zimbabwe
The primary scholars pictured here look to brighter futures because they know they can advance to the secondary school on an adjacent campus and continue to receive support from Glenn. Glenn has supported students at these schools for more than 20 years.
While Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Education supports elementary schools, it does not provide sufficient funds to run the schools, and no funding for supplies, fees and uniforms. It provides even less for the secondary schools. All of the students must pay for the additional support as tuition and buy their own uniforms. Glenn picks up these expenses for 69 students.
The school installed two fish ponds last year, with 2022 Glenn Alternative Giving Catalog special-project funds. Last summer, the ponds were excavated; in the fall they were stocked with tilapia fingerlings. In mid-December members of Zimbabwe’s education ministry, school administrators, teachers, students and parents gathered for a “first-weighing.” In June, the fish were harvested. The project provided education experiences for students, fish to reduce food insufficiencies in the community, and about $1500 to underwrite next year’s crop.
Catalog funds in December 2023 provided resources to upgrade a previously Glenn-catalog-funded science lab with plumbing and equipment to support chemistry instruction. It also provided funds for the primary school to begin a beekeeping operation, one called for by the Ministry of Education to interest students in science and engage them early in studies on commercial agriculture. The country hopes to become a center for honey production in years ahead.
Students harvesting and weighing fish
Cambodia
Sharing Christ’s Love Through Education
Through the operating budget, Glenn annually gives $9116 to fund scholarships for Cambodian students, primarily girls and young women. The students range from kindergarten through university, and Glenn is now supporting 30 students who receive $135 - $500 each with an exception for a pharmacy student due to the higher cost of those studies. Five of Glenn’s scholars completed Bachelor’s degrees last year, and the current university students are pursuing diverse fields including architecture, accounting, IT and agronomy. By supporting education, Glenn is helping to alleviate poverty and provide hope to our scholars. As 7th grader Nisa wrote, “I’m living with my aunty because both of my parents are working in Thailand as a factory worker. When I grow up, I want to become a teacher…. I believe that this scholarship will help me to have a better future. I want to say thank you to all donors for helping me... May God bless you!"
In addition to the scholarships, Glenn has a Covenant Relationship with Helen Camarce who is a UMC missionary serving in Cambodia; and Glenn contributes $2500 annually to support her work. Helen visited Glenn last summer. Through the Alternative Giving Catalog, Glenn has also supported other special projects in Cambodia including most recently an expanded ministry for street children and the start of a new school in a remote part of the country.
Ecuador
Glenn supports scholarships for 20 students at “El Sembrador”, The Sower Methodist Primary School, through our operating budget. The school is a joint effort between the United Methodist Church and the government. The government provides part of the teachers’ salaries, and the UMC provides the infrastructure and the management. The school serves 200 girls and boys and many of them will the first in their families to finish elementary and high school. In addition to the scholarships, Glenn has a Covenant Relationship with Sara Flores, who is a UMC missionary serving in Ecuador, and provides funds for the Children’s Ministry in that area.
Through gifts to the Alternative Giving Catalog, Glenn has also been able to provide backpacks, school supplies, and uniforms for the students.
The Justice Team is grateful for your pledges and your gifts to the Alternative Giving Catalog that enable Glenn to continue to support education for children.