From Classroom to Community

Trinity School's Connection with Musawenkosi Christian Academy

In some parts of South Africa, public schools are extremely overcrowded, lack funds to buy textbooks, and struggle with finding enough teachers for quality education. Students at these schools often sit in multi-grade classrooms with up to 100 other peers. With the lack of student support and resources, unfortunately the dropout rate prior to high school is extremely high. Beth Rettig, a Durham resident and dear friend of Trinity, saw this need years ago and was inspired to start Mukhanyo Christian Academy (MCA) in South Africa. (The school recently changed its name to Musawenkosi Christian Academy.)

MCA aims to help impoverished and orphaned children by providing a support system of teachers that use a faith-based curriculum founded on the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason. Many of these students have been orphaned by AIDS and are forced to be the head of their household. As a result, rather than attending school, they spend their time taking care of their families. MCA hopes to relieve these students of this responsibility by providing meals, shelter, and a quality education from elementary through high school for a future of success.

Trinity has been supporting MCA since 2012. With leadership from the Upper School students and dedicated Trinity parents, partners, and staff, Trinity plans an annual Run for Mukhanyo. In preparation for the run, Trinity students raise money for MCA in numerous ways, like bake sales or lemonade stands. In the Middle School, the homerooms compete to see which one can raise the most money as they anticipate the day of the run.

On the day of the run, the Lower and Middle School students eagerly run laps around the field to support MCA (or in the gym when it’s rainy). With each lap, students get a sticker that they give to an Upper School volunteer. By the end of the run, a huge sign that says “We Love MCA” is made from the stickers. The students are always excited to see the sign they have built together and to take a group picture that is sent to the students at MCA. Over the years, Trinity has raised more and more money, which goes to needs such as additional classrooms or playgrounds for MCA. In 2022, Trinity raised a record-breaking $18,500, which was put towards MCA’s operating budget. MCA has also recently moved into a new building, so Trinity has been able to help support their needs as they transition into a new space.

The tradition of fundraising and running for MCA has become a key part of Trinity’s culture and is one of the things that makes our school so special. Students at Trinity are being challenged in mind and heart. Not only are they receiving a rigorous education, but they are being taught the importance of serving others in Christ’s name.

Over the years, there have been several groups from Trinity that have faithfully visited and volunteered at MCA. Last February, a Trinity Middle School student, Ethan Johnson, had the opportunity to visit MCA. There he saw the new building that had been built on the campus and the classroom setups. He found that the students were using old supplies and that many of them were orphaned and lived in poverty. Despite this sad reality,

Ethan noticed the joy that exuded from the students at MCA. Whether he was playing soccer or singing songs with the students, Ethan deeply appreciated their happy attitudes and was reminded that these students are just like Trinity students and deserve the same opportunities and resources. At the end of the trip, Ethan returned with a list of MCA’s needs, which Trinity raised funds for this year. Each class in the Lower and Middle Schools was assigned something to raise money for. From gardening tools to kitchen appliances, Trinity students were able to get excited about fundraising for MCA, because they could see exactly what their money was going toward.

Trinity’s school verse this year is 1 John 3:18, which says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” What a blessing it is that Trinity can exemplify this love and live this out in a tangible way by supporting MCA.

ELLIE THOMAS is a senior at Trinity. She enjoys playing soccer, serving on the Mukanyo Committee and in Trinity’s after-school program, and participating in the arts. Outside of school, Ellie loves to play guitar, hike, read, serve in her church, and spend quality time with friends and family.