In April, the GNCEM spring term ends and exams begin. It is also a pivotal time for construction before the rains come. GNCEM schools are constantly growing as community members see the value of education and the excellence of their programs. Aside from recent medical expansion, two new school building are currently under construction.
At Pathershesh, a school in a village outside of the city, the new building dwarfs the current classrooms and chapel. At two stories, it serves as a landmark in the village. Pathershesh means "end of the road." From the 45 minute train ride to the mile walk along a single lane road to reach it, it's easy to see why. Because of its proximity to the sea and Bangladesh, the community around the schools hosts many economic refugees from Bangladesh and families who have come from the islands to the mainland for employment.
Pathershesh currently has over 90 students in their Bengali medium school and their St. John schools boasts 50 students up from the original 8 in 2013.
GNCEM's director, Mrs. Eunok Roy Lee, is hopeful that the new building will not only allow for the expansion of the two schools, but also host a future boarding school for many of the refugee children in the area.
At Gongajoyara, another more rural school, the new construction will allow the 84 students currently occupying the one-room school building to expand and open more spots for those children still awaiting admission.
Tarun, one of the teachers at Gongajoyara said that the new facility will be a "miracle" when it is completed. Some classes at Gongajoyara are already meeting in the partially constructed classes despite lack of electricity and windows.
Through both of these avenues, Mrs. Roy Lee and the school staff are thrilled about the opportunity to spread the Gospel and share the love of Jesus Christ.
