By Beverly Gilbert Stone | Director
Gordon Clem Academy opened in February! A myriad of challenges kept us busy the entire year! Low enrollment, failure of parents to pay their school fees, tribal violence which resulted in the looting of the Academy Shop and the theft of many items in both kitchen and living quarters, the migration of the village to a place of safety, and more.
We face more challenges in 2016! But now we have a Board of Governors who, though inexperienced, are realizing the challenges before the school and will be trying their best to work on them. It is helpful to remember that this is all new to them and that true education often takes many different forms. Even the students received bits of “real life” education stepping up to cook their own food as the budget for staff was over.
As the students take their final exams this week, we are planning for next year. We have already increased the security or the buildings and the first $300.00 will reopen the Academy Shop which paid for one teacher as well as providing a necessary community service.
Many students did not attend any school. They completed Class 8 and remained idle as there is no high school within a reasonable distance. Lack of knowledge about Gordon Clem Academy kept them from inquiring. Therefore, student recruitment has already begun and tribal elders, church and community leaders will be proactive to increase enrollment and see that Gordon Clem Academy is successful in the community.
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