God is Able: Help Us Extend Academy Education Across Borders

This is a very special year for the Academy Remote Learning program: five of our students are graduating with us in the spring! Some of these students have been with us since the start of this program. We wanted to highlight one of these students in particular, to help show the good fruit that is coming from the education these youth are receiving.

Victor Lubega is a young man who has excelled through the Academy Remote Learning program. His teachers all know him to be enthusiastic, communicative and hard working. He has received Exemplary Student awards several times in his years with us. 

One practical benefit of being with our program is that it has allowed Victor to remain close to his family through his teenage years. Students who attend local schools in Uganda are often gone for 9-10 hours a day. This increases at the secondary school level; they might be gone from 6:00am to 10:00pm at night! This is an incredibly taxing system that keeps them away from parents. Our cooperatives in East Africa have expressed many times how grateful they are to have their children near them, to be able to look out for them and invest in them as they are getting their education remotely. 

Another benefit of this Academy program is that Victor will graduate with strong literacy skills. Previous graduates from the Remote Learning program have entered the Institute for GOD college, and have a huge advantage compared to their peers who attended local schools in Uganda. They know how to critically engage literature, organize their thoughts into essays, and write clearly with strong grammar. As people of scripture, we know how important it is to be able to engage the written Word. It is a key part of human development, enabling us to image God as He intended.

Finally, Victor has been able to pursue his interest in electrical engineering, and get practical experience in this career field. This year he is completing his senior internship with Community Works, a program of GOD Int’l that focuses on infrastructure development in the 3rd world. With Community Works manager James Lasater supervising him remotely, Victor was able to work with an older mentor on the ground on several projects this semester. The first was to install solar energy systems to every house on the GOD Int’l campus, enabling personnel there to access power even when the local electricity goes out. This kind of career jumpstart is something we’ve been able to offer our students both locally here in Nashville and abroad. It saves time and money after graduation for young people like Victor who are determining a career path. Victor now has practical experience in the field of solar energy, and a confidence that he would like to continue down the path of an electrician.

There are so many wonderful things happening in the lives of our remote students. But we do have some very practical needs remaining for this year. At the beginning of the school year we received some generous donations that helped cover a portion of student scholarships, yet there is a remaining need of $17,950. This covers tuition, technology access and academic support to our students in Uganda and Morristown. It would relieve parents from shouldering the burden of this year’s school fees alone. Would you consider investing into the lives of these young men and women? Join us in offering them a safe and nurturing school environment, and putting them on a path for a bright future.

Welcome to 2024-2025 at the Academy for GOD

Welcome to the Academy for GOD for the 2024-2025 school year! With our 12th year ahead, we are pleased to announce some new developments that promise to make this school year even more special. This year marks a significant milestone for us, as we have recently attained accreditation with Cognia and gained approval to become an ESA school in the state of Tennessee. This means that we can now offer educational savings accounts, providing students the opportunity to attend private school with greater financial flexibility.

We continue to provide a diverse range of educational programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Whether you are interested in our campus or homeschool programs, we offer something for everyone. Our hybrid options allow for a blend of on-campus and home learning, while our umbrella services provide support for families choosing to homeschool independently. Additionally, our remote learning program ensures that students can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location or context. 

We understand that our students are coming back from a variety of summer experiences. From family vacations to mission trips and service opportunities, each student brings unique experiences and perspectives into the new school year. To help ease the transition from summer break to the academic year, we dedicate the first two weeks back to acclimating students into the school environment. These initial weeks are crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the semester and the entire school year.

Parents, here are some ways to help your student prepare for a successful start to the new school year:

1. Establish a Routine: Start reintroducing a school-day routine a few days before school begins. This helps students adjust their sleep schedules and get back into the habit of structured days.

2. Set Goals: Encourage your student to set academic and personal goals for the year. Whether it's improving grades, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can motivate and guide them (and you!).

3. Reflect on Summer Experiences: Take some time to discuss what your student learned or experienced over the summer. This reflection can help them integrate those experiences into their school life.

4. Get Involved: Encourage your student to explore the various extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the Academy for GOD. Participation in these activities can enhance their school experience and foster a sense of community.

5. Stay Connected: Open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, and fellow parents. Staying connected will help you stay informed and engaged in your student's education.

As we begin this new school year, we are excited to see the growth and achievements that will come. The Academy for GOD is committed to providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Let's make this year the best one yet!

Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic school year!

On Set in Africa

Victor Lubega sits for an interview, reflecting on the insecurities he felt regarding his English language skills when he first began joining Academy classes. He recently went back to look at his homework from 2 years ago, and marveled at how his English has improved since then!

“Rolling in 3-2-1... Action!” This semester, our Academy Remote Learners in Uganda have come together for a film project. Together they are producing a mini-documentary: “Going to School in Nashville from Uganda.” They report that this is the most fun they’ve ever had working on a group project! Each of the six Jr. High and High school students have a role. 9th grader Victor Lubega is serving as Director, and he shared the valuable lessons he is learning on leadership and humility. “It was a challenge to me as director to listen to everyone and then come up with an idea for everyone that I thought was good. But then if it turned out it wasn’t good, they needed to correct me and we had to make changes.”

He has also learned valuable skills on planning for and running an efficient meeting, with an agenda and a clear start and end time. Adding this project onto his course load has taught him how to use his time more efficiently in all areas. “Whereas before maybe I would take my time on all homework assignments, now I set a timer and focus and I work quickly to complete my assignments. Then I can move on to work on the documentary.”

The 15 minute film will show the daily life of these students, from their daily chores caring for the chickens and pigs, to how they Zoom into Academy classes in Nashville every evening. They share the joys and the challenges, and reflect on how they have grown as people through the last several years of being Academy students. Academy Home Education Vice Principal Rebekah Hjälmeby has been guiding them through the process. “I’m not a film expert, but I understand project management and the value of team dynamic. I always remind the students that while I’m super excited about the movie they will produce, they themselves are the real project here.

Ms. Hjälmeby meets weekly with the students over Zoom, and brings in technical experts to advise as needed. Here she is joined by Ms. Sara Davis, who graduated from film school and worked in the film industry in L.A.

They are God’s workmanship, and the practical and social skills they’re learning through this will serve them well in whatever area they are called to work.” The students admit that they have surprised even themselves with what they have been able to accomplish together. “Volleyball has been the main group activity we have done together, but this is teaching us how to be part of a team in a whole new way,” says Favour Kimbugwe. “Yes,” agrees Genesis Ssemakula, “At first I didn’t really expect us to be able to do much. I was mostly motivated by the enthusiasm of my teachers, because they were really excited, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. But once we finished the intro video, I could see for myself the potential of the project. I could see the pieces of the puzzle coming together even more beautifully than we had imagined.”

Genevieve, an 8th grader who is one of two Videographers on the project, has learned much about operating a camera through the experience. Additionally, she has learned to critically think about the audience’s perspective. “As a videographer, you have to use your wisdom and brain to think how to catch the audience’s attention. And make them feel different emotions throughout different scenes.” Sserwada Gideon shared a similar reflection. “I am learning to create a background sound related to the emotions displayed by someone on screen.” Gideon is a talented musician, and he is writing the score and managing audio for the project. He too is learning to think about how to tell a story in a captivating way, and use music to help the audience connect emotionally.

Script writer Rebecca Lubega has the challenging task of creating a narrative that pulls together all of the interviews, B-roll and story angles. She is loving the challenge of learning this new genre of writing. The students have a deadline of the end of May to complete this project. Stay tuned to see the finished project, and join us in praying for and celebrating the work that God is doing in each of these projects of His!

Home Education Exemplary Students

Throughout the school year we acknowledge exemplary students within our Home Education program. So far this year, the Exemplar award has been given to two hard-working students, 11th grader Rebecca Lubega (Uganda) and 7th grader Esme García (Morristown, TN). These young ladies are both full-time remote learners, attending classes virtually through our hybrid classroom setups. 

In the Fall 2023 semester, Rebecca Lubega stood out to her teachers for taking ownership of her education with responsibility and enthusiasm. She had outstanding attendance in her classes and engaged course content with questions. Rebecca contacted her teachers regularly to stay on top of class work. As a Junior she did an outstanding job on her Directed Studies project, exploring the relationship between culture and food and how history has shaped those connections. This project culminated in a meal she prepared and hosted for her church community, organizing volunteers, and sharing with her guests about the things she learned throughout the process. Rebecca has shown great determination to succeed and we are so proud to acknowledge her accomplishments. 

Esme is in her first year with The Academy, and she has demonstrated resilience and faith in adjusting to a completely online school program. This spring in particular, her teachers have noted Esme’s consistent contributions in class, and her diligence to submit timely work. She has shown humility and positivity, persevering in her classes and making new friendships. Esme has truly had to practice faith in the Lord, and trust in her parents and teachers in this season, and we are happy to celebrate her!

Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships

Introduction

Pastora Zenaida Castellanos (front left) is our Education Proctor in Morristown, TN. This incredible woman of faith daily guides the students in their coursework. She approaches every situation with joy and determination; we are so thankful to have her on our team!

As we reflect on the success of last year's scholarship program, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our mission to support the education of international students in Uganda and now, newly welcomed students from Morristown, TN. Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.

In the previous year, our scholarship program reached new heights, enabling us to support international students in Uganda, including our very first remote graduate! This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that arise when students are given the tools they need to succeed.

This year, we are excited to extend our program to students in Morristown, TN, through our remote learning initiative. Leveraging advanced technology, these students connect to real-time classes happening in Nashville, where they are guided by dedicated, Jesus-loving teachers who are committed to their holistic development.

A Holistic Approach to Education

These three 10th graders attend class together. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Nashville, so students are ‘in class’ from about 5pm to midnight. We record all classes so that students can access content if they cannot attend in real time.

Our remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences. Through an interactive and relevant learning model, students not only engage with their coursework but also develop a strong foundation for personal and spiritual growth.

To ensure the success of our students, we have implemented in-person educational proctors who act as mentors, guiding them through their coursework and keeping a watchful eye on their spiritual and social well-being. This personalized approach to education fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

A Personal Perspective

As the Vice President of this program, I have the privilege of interacting daily with our remote learners. I get to daily witness their excitement about learning,  and observe their gratitude manifested through hard work. Facilitating this education is a privilege; these student’s lives are being forever changed. They are facing the world with a critical mind, and hearts full of faith and confidence in the role God is shaping them to play. They know their individual gifts and they are eager to put those to good use in bringing change to the world around them. I truly cannot say enough about the quality of our students, which is enhanced yearly by their education in God’s word. 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." 

- Proverbs 16:16

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Exemplar of the Quarter program acknowledges outstanding Remote Learners. They are celebrated for qualities such as good grades, enthusiastic participation in class, and communicating well with teachers.

We invite you to join us in supporting another year of scholarships for students around the world! By contributing to this cause, you become a vital part of shaping healthy, thriving young individuals who love the Lord and are enthusiastic about bringing positive change to the world. 

Donate to our scholarship fund and be a catalyst for change in the lives of students around the world. Your support will help create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Together, let's empower these young minds and make education a transformative force in their lives.