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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2001 |
Operation Classroom report:
'When the war is over,'
as they say in Sierra LeoneBy Mary Sue Best
"It's not too soon to plan for a July 2002 work team," says Kay Hess. She intends to return to Sierra Leone where she has visited and worked on three occasions. A simple conversation with Kay punctuates her strong affinity for the country and her dedication to Operation Classroom's mission there. Because she herself is a teacher in Fayette County, a good education for the youth in West Africa is a burning desire.
Kay recently returned from Freetown where is was very hot an humid; Anna, her 21-year-old daughter, was her traveling companion. The two worked as painters for a building undergoing renovation at the United Methodist Secondary School for Girls, the only one in Freetown.
Located about three-quarters of a mile from Albert Academy, the school anticipates an enrollment of 400 for this year's fall semester. The school will need supplies, scholarships and equipment. The Bloomington District of South Indiana Conference will form a partnership there.
Soon after they arrived, Kay and Anna were greeted with powerful words from Bishop J.C. Humper. "You are making history!" Two is not the usual number for a workteam, especially when the two are women. Kay feels their trip made a strong statement for "gender equality" in this third world land. It's not likely that you'd find women painting as the Hesses did.
They felt the importance of their presence because, as Kay says, "So many girls do not go to school there." Also unique were their contacts with several science teachers from the school who reminded Kay, "You could come back here and teach!"
"Our family was concerned about Anna's health. She is a diabetic," Kay states. The pair packed many convenience foods, snacks, granola and breakfast bars to assure proper nutrition at the proper time. "We also had wonderful produce: bananas, pineapples, cucumbers and what we call peanuts. Anna's diabetes remained manageable and under control."
The Hess family stayed at the O.C. house, sharing space with Sally Morris whose mission is to set up a dental clinic there with the aid of Dr. Dennis Marke of The Kissy Clinic. Kay and Anna didn't visit Kissy because traffic congestion would have forced the local trip to take two hours.
Kay won't forget her impressions of the refugee camp, the plight of some, the hopes of many waiting to return home and establish unity in the country. She heard some war stories too, especially about the siege of 1999, and the miraculous escape of some. Conversations often began, "When the war is over ."
"We need more people to go," Kay pleads. The workteam's destination for next year is unknown, "perhaps to a new school near Moyamba." Kay will continue to help recruit workers and speak out at every chance. Why? Because the needs are great, the opportunities endless, and the gratitude, everlasting.
Contact Rev. Joe and Carolyn Wagner about opportunities, dates for containers to be packed, scholarships and other needs at ocmission@compuserve.com or ccwagner@hotmail.com. Their address is P.O. BOX 277, Colfax, Ind. 46035-0277.
Last updated on 01/14/2004