The Arise and Shine Early Childhood Development (ECD) program was started by a compassionate woman named Beatrice who, like many of our partners, saw a need and wanted to do something to address it. After retiring from her position as a school teacher, she noticed that children in her community were not attending any ECD programs to prepare them for school, so she started a program in her home for less fortunate children.  

Shortly after that, Beatrice and her husband, Alex, decided to sell Beatrice's pension and use the funds to build a classroom for the children. They took in 45 children between the ages of 2-6! Many of these children do not have parents but are cared for by a guardian/family member.  

Thanks to donations from Voice of Hope the school has expanded to four classes, a kitchen/dining hall, a sturdy playground, clean latrines and wash houses, a fresh water well, stipends for teachers and up-to-date curriculum.