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...the vast majority of Colored and Black children are poorly educated and grow up to be either unemployed or working in the unskilled/laboring sectors of society. Furthermore, such children--especially those who lack parents and homes--are vulnerable to the many child predators. Kurland is one of the many townships where hundreds of these children live.
Nicole knew she must first understand the complex needs of these children before she could effectively address them. By spending weeks with them, meeting with Kurland families, and speaking to others who worked with the kids, she concluded that their needs were multi-tiered. On the survival level, the children needed consistent food, clothing, shelter, basic medical care, and an opportunity to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Many Christian organizations stop there, but Nicole knew that for the children’s newfound salvation to have application, they would have to have access to academic, moral and spiritual teaching that would enable them to realize God’s will for their lives. The next level of need was the opportunity to attend school and the availability of appropriate supplemental academic support that would enable them to succeed there. This success can be measured by each student obtaining a matriculation certificate (diploma from high school). Also at this level was the crucial need for early abstinence education that would educate children to defend themselves from sexual abuse and postpone voluntary sexual activity until marriage. Beyond this level was the necessary fundamental instruction in the Christian faith for those adults and children who have decided to follow Jesus |
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