Several years ago, we came face to face with the reality of our teenagers having to choose between school and work. Some of them would need to finish the eighth or ninth grade and then find a job to financially help the family. Of course, we believe in education or a trade school to help them find future job opportunities. However, accomplishing the completion of a high school or college diploma takes years of studying. It is difficult to convince a parent or a teenager of the benefits of an education when they are simply trying to buy food for the day.
The first teenage boy who approached us with the news of needing to quit school explained his need to provide for his elderly grandparents. They could physically no longer work so the financial responsibilities would fall on his shoulders. He wanted to complete education but it simply was not an option.
So we found a solution really fast. We provided him with after school work on the mountain in order to study and earn money for his grandparents. And this was the start of our youth work program.
Fast forward fours years later and we have a group of fourteen teenage boys and girls who are able to study because they can work after school.
Last year, several of the teenagers became eighteen years old so they were able to open bank accounts! All of the workers have a savings account that is closely monitored. They are taught how to manage the money and held accountable for the spending.
In 2024, we had one young man approach us about the possibility of buying a motorcycle. He gave his reasons for needing a motorcycle and his plan on how to pay for it. A used motorcycle can be purchased fairly cheap and it is a necessity for most families. We agreed to set him up on a payment plan to purchase the motorcycle. He was diligent in making the payments on time and accepting any opportunities for extra work.
This began a domino effect among the youth workers. There are a lot of benefits to owning the motorcycle such as transporting their siblings to school and transportation for their single mothers or elderly grandparents. The youth started realizing the benefits of being financially wise to provide food, rent, and transportation for their families. (Yes, they do have meet strict requirements before the purchase of a motorcycle)
Last week, one of the youth workers went to the office to explain that she is aware of her debt for the bus. She asked for a little bit more time to pay off the debt. She explained that her money had been spent on “other” things besides the bus tickets for school. One would assume that other things means fast food or new clothes. However, the other things consisted of medicine for a sick father. I told her that the debt will be paid and she can start fresh. She declined my offer of paying off the debt and expressed her desire to simply have a little bit more time and any extra work that is available. A young woman who is not looking for a handout but determined to work hard for financial independency.
We did not plan on this part of the ministry, but the need is great. We started this ministry trusting God to provide financially as it is definitely not in our budget. The Lord has used generous people to meet this need.
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