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You play a critical part in the life transformations that occur at ICC children’s villages around the world. In the following edited testimony, Patrick Kijana shares what it meant to him to grow up and eventually leave the Patmos children’s village. Thank you for your generous support of children like Patrick.
When we arrived at Patmos, we were two brothers accompanied by another brother, a sister, and our uncle. We were still young children.
In those days, transportation options were scarce. Our journey led us to Patmos where a compassionate mother consoled us. The mothers, whom God had prepared for us, welcomed us warmly, and we seamlessly integrated into our new surroundings. Every day we enjoyed porridge in the morning, lunch during the day, and supper in the evening. This regular nourishment was a stark contrast to our previous home where we ate only once a day. We learned to pray and sing each morning and evening.
Enumerating all the benefits ICC has bestowed upon us is a challenging task. However, here are a few remarkable aspects:
Exceptional Welcome: Despite being unknown children, we received an exceptional welcome.
Treated as Biological Children: ICC regarded us as their own, treating us with love and care.
Nurtured by Dear Mothers: Our dear mothers washed, cared for, and fed us.
Education: We received education across various levels” primary school, secondary school, and professional training in mechanics and automobiles.
Clothing and Footwear: ICC ensured we were well- dressed, providing clothes and shoes.
Life Skills: We acquired practical skills, including agriculture, swimming, and other recreational activities. Our walks and boat trips enriched our experiences.
Our gratitude extends to our dear father (Patmos Director), Desire Murhima, whom we pray God blesses abundantly. Even after achieving independence, ICC remains our family, and we carry the lessons of self-worth and trust in God wherever we go
The transition to a new life (living independently) was not without challenge's, but with God’s guidance and the lessons imparted by ICC, we gradually found our place. Upon gaining independence, ICC provided us with financial support. However, leaving the paradise of Patmos Village posed difficulties. We were stepping into an unfamiliar world. Despite these challenges, we persevered. The knowledge and skills imparted by ICC helped us integrate into our new reality.
My wife and I were re-baptized, and we now serve as elders in the Muchulo church. Additionally, I hold the positions of church treasurer and primary school principal in the indigenous (Pygmy’s) support project. My path forward involves continued service to God. I am committed to fulfilling my debt to my in-laws (for the marriage dowry) and pursuing further university studies.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Your son,
Patrick
More Than Notes and Melodies (Part II)
Last month we featured El Oasis Children’s Village in Mexico and their thriving music program with the children. This month we focus on the wonderful music program at Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic. Your support makes this program possible for the children!
The following is shared by - Las Palmas Director Samilin Williams
God created us in His image and likeness. And one of His attributes is the Great Artist. He is the one who filled everything with beautiful and incomparable melodies and endowed us with mirror neurons that allow us to capture these stimuli, understand them and use our creativity to take advantage of them in magnificent compositions. That is why music runs in our blood. We can see it in all its creation: the seven musical sounds and their semitones, with their beautiful combinations in different chords, and their precious variability in the face of rhythm changes. We can hear them in the rhythmic movement of the water, the air, the leaves of the trees, the sea; in the melodious song of the birds with their trills, the beasts with their calling... in short, all creation unfolds in a musical environment; life is music.
Music is more than vibrant waves; it is the balm with which God balances our emotions. When you are sad, music gives you joy. If you are in despair, music soothes you; if you are in a daze, music refreshes your soul.
Music came to stay with us. In Heaven we will praise our Creator through music and unite with the heavenly beings through music. The only task the Bible says we will perform with the heavenly beings is to join in rejoicing, giving glory to God and the Lamb with our voices and harps. We will sing and be part of that beautiful and harmonious heavenly choir.
So, it is a sublime task to encourage our children, adolescents and youth to develop this divine attribute. In 2002, the music program was initiated formally for the children in Las Palmas as a strategy to stimulate the cognitive, motor and emotional development of the children, as well as discipline, socialisation and worship of God.
Little by little the program expanded until it became a very important part in the development of the children at the Hogar, with the freedom for them to choose the instrument they would like to play. From those beginnings to date, there are many students who have had the wonderful experience of being able to acquire musical culture and start learning to play an instrument.
Music has facilitated the creation of an enriching environment that favors the development of competencies for the strengthening of multiple intelligences, including creativity, through meaningful learning.
We analyzed the answers given by 20 of our kids to a survey to know their perception of the music education program.
They participated very willingly and said that they like music very much, it makes them feel "very good," "relaxed," "happy," "joyful," "excited," "good and happy at the same time," "with a lot of energy," "privileged."
They also report feeling "a lot of support," "it helps in regular classes," improving their learning in regular classes; being able to "say what I can't say otherwise," and "it keeps my mind occupied with something positive."
They said they would not change the study of music "for anything." They are aware that "there are many people who would like this opportunity that we have."
According to these kids, what makes them happy at Las Palmas are things like "the activities," "the people," "the music," "the food," "being able to sleep," "being able to share."
Many of these young people, after finishing their studies, are singers and composers of melodies to praise God. Others have had the opportunity to play on various stages, such as churches and government agencies, in orchestras and musical groups.
Some have also found in music a way to support themselves, teaching classes and giving to others what for them was a blessing in their lives.
As an educator, I have been able to see how vulnerable children find in music learning a support for their emotional growth and the expression of their emotions. They also find joy and tranquility in music. Being aware of this evidence is why I maintain that in educational projects for vulnerable children, musical education is of great importance and great utility for their learning to reach the expected levels that allow them to achieve their goals and dreams broken by the pain that life has caused them at their young age.
Thank you for your support in making this a reality for the children.
Editor's note: We praise God for your investment in the children and support of music in their lives. Because of you the children are experiencing the wonderful, transformative power of music. Thank you!