As we begin 2025, we have a couple of end of year updates from Sierra Leone to share with you, including all of the Christmas celebrations and a special award The Raining Season received. With the new year, all of our children have been busy settling back into their school routine as the new term began in January. We are grateful for the many ways the Lord blessed us in 2024, and we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead!
The Orphan Empowerment Society Award
In late November, staff and children from The Raining Season were invited to attend the 6th annual Humanitarian Goodwill Awards put on by The Orphan Empowerment Society (TOES) at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown. At the dinner, children from TRS were invited to perform a song. The Raining Season was also a recipient of a Humanitarian Goodwill Award recognizing TRS's exemplary efforts and impactful contributions to humanitarian work and contribution to the social and economic development of Sierra Leone. Congratulations to our in-country staff on this award! It was an honor for TRS to receive the award and to see other organizations doing great things in Sierra Leone.
End of Semester Certificates
As the semester drew to a close in mid-December, exams were complete, and the children prepared for a break from school over the holiday. Two children attending Rising Academy received certificates of achievement, recognizing their hard work and dedication to their education. Kevin received a certificate for Best Performing B.E.C.E. Student of the Year for 2023/2024. The award comes after Kevin had the highest score on his Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) for the entire school. Josephine also received a certificate for Best News Presenter of the Year 2023/2024. Congratulations to Kevin and Josephine for these awards!
The Raining Season Primary School Carol Service
Before classes ended for the semester, The Raining Season Primary School gathered for its annual Carol Service. The service was an opportunity for the school community to come together and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Students participated by singing familiar Christmas hymns and reading scripture about the birth of Jesus. The students also acted out the Christmas story, reminding everyone of the hope and joy that the Christmas season brings.
The Raining Season Primary School Christmas Party
The Raining Season Primary School held its fourth annual Christmas party on December 19th. The school Christmas party was for all the students, including those who attend from the community. The party included music and dancing as well as popcorn and drinks. It was a great way to end the semester!
Shaping Young Minds Initiative Party
Christmas festivities came to a close with one final celebration put on by the Shaping Young Minds Initiative. The Shaping Young Minds Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the mindset of the next generation, inspiring them to think positively, act decisively, and lead boldly. They reached out to The Raining Season in early December about the opportunity to bless the children with a special party. Eastina Taylor, the organization's founder, also attended the Humanitarian Goodwill Awards, and the children's performance impacted her. On December 22nd, the Shaping Young Minds Initiative visited TRS, bringing food, drinks, and gifts for all the children. Thank you, Eastina, for blessing The Raining Season this Christmas season. Your visit made our Christmas season so much brighter.
We are grateful for the many ways the Lord blessed us in 2024. As we enter a new year, thank you for your continued support. We are continuously humbled by how the Lord provides for TRS through you.
Many blessings,
The Raining Season