Operation Classroom

08/30/2021

A Few Extra Grandkids

https://conta.cc/3kBMgee

Providing a future The BLACKBOARD August 30th, 2021 Need a couple of extra Kids or Grandkids? Well, even though Sandy and I have 5 kids of our own (and 11 grandkids), over the course of the nearly 20

08/09/2021

A Trifecta of Opportunity

A Trifecta of Opportunity

You really can make a difference The BLACKBOARD August 9th, 2021 A “Trifecta” of Opportunity Over the last several weeks, we’ve conveyed the message that we had three significant projects at the TEA

07/27/2021

CONNECTED - In the African Bush!

CONNECTED - In the African Bush!

A Computer Lab @ the TEA The BLACKBOARD July 27th, 2021nd, 2021June CONNECTED! In the African Bush Many of you who have been to Liberia or Sierra Leone with Operation Classroom know that today seeming

07/19/2021

Hog Wild

Hog Wild

Developing a "Piggery" at the TEA The BLACKBOARD ONE of the numerous Ag Projects at the TEA is the Development of a "Piggery" to teach students how to manage a successful pig operation. Thanks to a ge

07/12/2021

Making Molehills out of Mountains

Making Molehills out of Mountains

The BLACKBOARD May 18TH, 2021 Making a Molehill Out of a Mountain A year or so ago, we were confronted with 3 projects that needed to be implemented at the TEA (Taiama Enterprise Academy.) And quite f

05/28/2021

Johnny Wooden's Advice

Johnny Wooden's Advice

Never Mistake Activity for Achievement The BLACKBOARD May 24th, 2021 "Never Mistake Activity for Achievement!" Johnny Wooden Johnny Wooden was the most successful college basketball coach in history.

05/13/2021

The Computer Lab at Taiama Enterprise Academy will soon be up and running with the completion of phase 1. You can see 3 laptops, a projector, and printer. Students benefit with online materials that are difficult to purchase for their courses.

THANKS TO ALL who provided funding to get Phase 1 completed. We continue to work on the funding for the next phase. Donations accepted though our website.
https://www.operationclassroom.org/take-action

The Computer Lab at Taiama Enterprise Academy will soon be up and running with the completion of phase 1. You can see 3 laptops, a projector, and printer. Students benefit with online materials that are difficult to purchase for their courses.

THANKS TO ALL who provided funding to get Phase 1 completed. We continue to work on the funding for the next phase. Donations accepted though our website.
https://www.operationclassroom.org/take-action

05/11/2021

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTIONS TRADES - The construction of the Warden's House is going up one brick row at a time. Teaching, learning a skill, and doing the job. Really great to watch the progress.

05/08/2021

Three students were selected by their instructor Raymond Kabba to go to Makeni to repair a generator. Generators are precious in Sierra Leone as they provide one of the main sources of electricity. Thanks Mustapha for sending photos. How blessed we are to have internet at the Taiama Enterprise Academy which gives us a window into what is happening on the campus.

03/29/2021

Light...A little light in the middle of a messy world....the light draws us in as we seek possibilities for the future.

02/23/2021

Under the direction of Mr. Sandi, students are laying out the footprint for the *Warden's home by the Building/Construction trades class. Taiama Enterprise Academy's campus was renovated before the students arrived in 2019 however, the Building/Construction trades class has been an important part of the completing some of remaining tasks on the grounds.
Classwork combined with the construction of the home isn't necessarily the fastest route for completing the house, but it is the exciting part for the students involved. As soon as the funds have been raised, they will have one very important project... Getting a more reliable source of energy on the campus via Solar. Donations are being accepted now. Contact: Operation Classroom, 359 S. Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. *The Warden is the man in charge of the Boy's Dormitory.

Under the direction of Mr. Sandi, students are laying out the footprint for the *Warden's home by the Building/Construction trades class. Taiama Enterprise Academy's campus was renovated before the students arrived in 2019 however, the Building/Construction trades class has been an important part of the completing some of remaining tasks on the grounds.
Classwork combined with the construction of the home isn't necessarily the fastest route for completing the house, but it is the exciting part for the students involved. As soon as the funds have been raised, they will have one very important project... Getting a more reliable source of energy on the campus via Solar. Donations are being accepted now. Contact: Operation Classroom, 359 S. Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. *The Warden is the man in charge of the Boy's Dormitory.

02/19/2021

Aminata Lungay spent time at a Solar Power plant near Freetown, Sierra Leone. She did some work there and has been promised a job upon graduation. A success story in the making.

We are working for additional funding to install Solar panels at the TEA to provide a more reliable source of energy for the school. Solar energy in Sierra Leone is a growing industry. TEA students will be have experience with installing and maintaining solar power before they leave the campus if we can get the financing in the near future. We would be so grateful to hear about funding sources to get us beyond the $20,000 we currently have for the project. [email protected]

01/27/2021

Engine Mechanics class at the TEA at work. Instructor Raymond Kabba uses "parts and pieces" for teaching demonstrations and hands-on experience. We are pleased to note that 5 girls are enrolled in the department.

12/10/2020

Taking notes... taking notes to remember...taking notes for future use...taking notes...notes that fill the entire notebook.
Listening, remembering, and ready to put new learnings into action. Every student yearns for a better tomorrow. They are dedicated to doing everything it takes to excel. Thanks for your support of young people.
www.operationclassroom.org/take-action

12/01/2020

Operation Classroom - Education that Changes lives.

TODAY is GIVING TUESDAY. With the late start of the first semester, we will be sending scholarships this month to Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as the Taiama Enterprise Academy. We are also looking to fund various projects at the Taiama Enterprise Academy (computer lab, agriculture facility, textbooks). You can donate online through our website at https://operationclassroom.org/take-action, or send a check to Operation Classroom at 359 Franklin Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Thank you!

Operation Classroom is dedicated to helping students in Sierra Leone and Liberia to break out of the cycle of poverty by providing education that focuses on changing their mindset and providing real life skills.

11/20/2020

Operation Classroom - Education that Changes lives.

GIVING TUESDAY is just around the corner. Please remember Operation Classroom on that day. There are several projects waiting for funding such as the Computer Lab and textbooks and resource books for the various departments at the Taiama Enterprise Academy. Give any amount... online through our website.
https://operationclassroom.org/take-action
Or give directly by writing a check to Operation Classroom and sending it to 359 Franklin Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Operation Classroom is dedicated to helping students in Sierra Leone and Liberia to break out of the cycle of poverty by providing education that focuses on changing their mindset and providing real life skills.

11/16/2020

The students have gathered. The TEA has opened for the 20/21 school year. Just a little late but none the less exciting.
The first year of the Taiama Enterprise Academy was successful in spite of the pandemic that has created havoc worldwide. We credit the TEA leadership with keeping the ship afloat in these troublesome times. November 16, 2020 will mark a new beginning for the students just entering the school. It will also mark the 2nd year for other fine young people who are returning.
Thanks Duramany Massavoi for your leadership.

09/29/2020

THANKS to the person who raised $405 for Operation Classroom through Facebook. Much appreciated!!!

09/22/2020

The entire month of July, the 12th graders in the Liberian secondary schools participated in testing. in school six days a week to complete the 2019/2020 academic year and to prepare for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) which
will be from August 17 to September 2.
Helen Roberts-Evans writes: "As the Associate Director for Supervision, I continued my visits to observe the students in class and meet with school staff. The teachers’ focus was on presenting and reviewing material for the WASSCE. "
Helen goes on to explain that "During July, there were 406 new cases; 670 persons recovered from the virus, and there were 75
COVID-19 deaths. July ended with 411 active cases and the total number of confirmed cases reached 1,186. The Ministry of Health is still advising that we wear masks in public, observe social distancing, and wash hands frequently. I’m now used to wearing a mask whenever I’m away from home."

09/21/2020

Meet Mr. John Sam, the Agriculture/Science department tutor at the TEA. He comes to the TEA with experience as a farm manager and most recently as the department head of Kori Community Education and Cultural Centre in Taiama. He is working on an animal husbandry proposal for an income producing project for the TEA. Stay tuned for more about the developing animal project.

09/14/2020

Students in Liberia ... have received a blessing from USAID according to the Minister of Education in Liberia. Being out of school for extended periods of time is difficult regardless of the country of origin. Continue reading the news release.

The Minister of Education, Professor Ansu Sonii, has expressed the profound thanks and appreciation of the Liberian people to the Government and People of the United States for the 12th Grader Cash Stipend program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Under the program, about 42,000 12th graders from all 15 counties of Liberia who qualified to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations were eligible for a stipend of US$50 (LD 10,000) to help them with some of the expenses associated with preparing for and sitting the Exams, including the costs of transportation to and from school, as well as their daily food and other basic needs.

09/09/2020

Bishop Yambasu remembered as bridge builder | United Methodist News Service

Our dear, dear friend has been laid to rest in Sierra Leone following a week of remembrances. From the new UM News Daily I share the report from Sierra Leone. One of the speakers at his service of Remembrance was: East Africa Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula said he agreed with those who said Yambasu was “irreplaceable.”

“We should not despair. Our struggle should be to keep his legacy alive and to grow from his example. Our hope should be with the thousands of leaders, especially the young people that Bishop John Yambasu has trained, mentored, groomed and empowered over the years. It is our responsibility to take up the baton and run with it to the finish line,” Wandabula said.

How will we, Indiana United Methodists, move on and be part of the legacy that Bishop Yambasu has left behind? Our focus on the youth has always been secondary education in Sierra Leone and Liberia. We will continue with the words of Bishop Yambasu in our hearts to provide opportunities for Indiana United Methodists to partner with our friends in West Africa to support secondary education. Yambasu will be missed.

The Sierra Leone Area bishop was remembered as a natural bridge builder who brought people together in the church and in the world.

09/05/2020

Remembering & Celebrating Bishop John K. Yambasu

The funeral for Bishop John Yambasu, the late resident bishop of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, set for Sunday, September 6, 2020, will be livestreamed on www.umc.org/bishopyambasu.

Bishop Yambasu died in a road accident on August 16, 2020, on his way to attend a funeral of one of the pastors in the conference.

The livestream will be umc.org/bishopyambasu website. The Service of Remembrance and Rites of Passage will be held Sunday, September 6, 2020 at King Memorial UMC at 10 a.m. GMT – Sierra Leone Time (6 a.m. Eastern Time in U.S.) Click on this link to watch the livestream of the funeral.

The people of The United Methodist Church are putting our faith in action by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

08/28/2020

Bishop John Yambasu was so vested in the education of young people. Through his vision the Taiama Enterprise Academy came into being.
If you would like to honor Bishop Yambasu through a memorial gift for the education with the priority given to the youth at the Taiama Enterprise Academy, you may send your gift to:
United Methodist Foundation of Indiana
8401 Fishers Center Drive
Fishers In 46038
or you can go on line if you like to the umfindiana.org/
For those who knew Bishop Yambasu and for those who have "grown up" with Operation Classroom, you know how important this vision, partnership and serving the needs of youth has been.
Joe Wagner, the founder and former director of Operation Classroom, has set up the fund to honor his very special friend which is exactly what partnerships are all about. Thanks for giving.

08/24/2020

STUDENTS ARE BACK after a much longer break than expected...3 1/2 months longer ...to begin the 2nd semester of the 2019/2020 school year at the Taiama Enterprise Academy. .
The TEA facility missed the students and all the attention it got when they first arrived. So as the students return, there is a bit of catch up to do around the campus. Narrative is with the photos.

08/19/2020

In November of 2019 just 1 month after the opening of the TEA, 3 special UMC Bishops met for a meal and talked about the excitement of new school in Sierra Leone. The now late Bishop Yambasu was so pleased to have this school available to young people who hold such promise for the country's future. Yambasu wanted nothing more than to see this school in full swing.
At that time Bishop John Hopkins said, “It a was a joy to celebrate the opening of the Taiama Enterprise Academy with Indiana Bishop Trimble and Sierra Leone Bishop Yambasu. Operation Classroom builds relationships to accomplish great things for God.”
https://www.operationclassroom.org

08/16/2020

What a sad day it is. The world has lost a great leader of the Christian faith. John Yambasu perished in an automobile accident early this morning. Let us all pray for his family, the UMC family in Sierra Leone, and the world where his voice has meant so much.

08/11/2020

The Second Semester is in full swing this week at Taiama Enterprise Academy (TEA). Meet a few of the students who happily returned to campus last week. Education is a priority with the our partners in Sierra Leone and Liberia. As a partner, through Operation Classroom, we assist students with tuition for their secondary education. Please consider supporting students wherever they are enrolled through giving to Operation Classroom. Visit us at https://www.operation.classroom.org and donate today. Any amount is appreciated.

08/04/2020

School is back in session for the students of the TEA (Taiama Enterprise Academy). Second semester is beginning... a bit late but it is beginning. Please keep all the young women and men as well as the staff in your prayers as they return to the school.
For $425.one student can be supported by covering room, board and tuition for one semester. Families provide $50 per semester plus any personal safety gear and necessary supplies for their course work. Your help is needed in providing work/study grants Donations may be made through the Operation Classroom website. https://www.operationclassroom.org

07/17/2020

GIVE TODAY. As schools begin to reopen in Sierra Leone, education leaders are planning for the 20/21 school year. The Taiama Enterprise Academy will be welcoming a new class of 60 young people some time around October or whenever school begins.
Operation Classroom has committed to have a set of textbooks for each student. For $75 a set of books will be given to a beginning student and these books will be used for the next 3 years. What great resources for the school. Please consider a donation to OPERATION CLASSROOM for TEXTBOOKS. Checks made out to Operation Classroom with Textbooks on the memo line and sent to Operation Classroom, 359 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383 or click on the Donation button found on the OC website. https://www.operationclassroom.org. You can use a debit/credit card or paypal. Make sure you tell us you want the funds to go for textbooks. Thanks for your support.