BETHESDA SCHOOL
PARTNER CHURCHES: Adventure of Faith | Port Orchard, WA, Mountain View Presbyterian Church | Marysville, WA, Bentonville Community Church | Bentonville AR.
YEAR OPENED: 2010
CITY: Kaffrine, Senegal
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 250
NUMBER OF CLASSES: 8
GRADES OFFERED: Preschool - 6th Grade
Bethesda Schools has quickly become the premier school in the Kaffrine Region of Senegal, West Africa. The teachers provide exceptional instruction, the children thrive in a nurturing environment and the school is growing every year. Located within a rural city in the central part of Senegal, Bethesda School offers children the opportunity for a solid education, giving them the skills necessary to get great jobs as adults, and provide for many, many family members. Most of their parents are illiterate and have low incomes, barely allowing them to provide an education for their children. Most students in the region drop out of school before finishing high school, with most kids growing up to become street vendors and housekeepers, trapping them in the cycle of poverty. The vision of Bethesda School is to bring together sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God with the well-being of children through quality education and sharing Christian values. More than 95% of the population is Muslim, but parents recognize and frequently comment that their children are treated better and receive a much higher quality education than in any other school. Bethesda was given a Special Recognition and Appreciation award in 2019 from the local Education Authority official.
BETHESDA SCHOOL PROJECT
In Senegal, Christian schools follow a “grow as you go” model. This means a school will typically start with one room of preschoolers, adding a grade each year building onto the school when room is needed.
Bethesda School started in 2010 with one class of three preschool children, now the school has over 250 children and goes through 6th grade. The needs continue to grow and the desire is to provide children with a sound education.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Over $100,000 in projects have already been accomplished: adding classrooms, providing desks, expanding the preschool, purchasing additional property, creating a computer room and more. Most recently in 2022, construction was completed a preschool and administrative block, adding two new classrooms and a much needed office.
NEXT STEPS
The next phase in construction is adding classrooms that will allow the school to expand to offer higher grades. To learn more about this project, click here.
SPONSOR A CHILD AT BETHESDA
Sponsorship is a way to be deeply and intentionally involved in the lives of the impoverished. You can make a difference in the life of a child or vocational student for just $39 a month.
DONATE TO A PROJECT AT BETHESDA
GO believes the people of the culture know their communities and the people in them. They know what works, and what doesn’t. As the basic needs of the people are met, doors are open to help meet emotional and spiritual needs as well.