First question: What in the world is the P.L.E.?
P.L.E. is the Rwandan acronym for “Primary Leaving Examination.” This is the first significant gateway for any student in Rwanda. As students desire to transition from primary school to secondary school, they must take the standardized examination throughout the country. They are literally ranked in comparison with every other student in the nation, and receive scores placing them in “Divisions.” This national ranking will determine many of their future opportunities.
The highest level is Division One, which indicates the top 3% of students in the nation of Rwanda. With God’s help, 100% of our first-ever class taking the P.L.E. in 2018 scored in Division One—incredible!
Then, in 2019, the second year our students took the exam, all of the students except one scored in Division One. Because of the pandemic, the P.L.E. was canceled in 2020.
Our third class is in the midst of three days of exams today, Tuesday, July 13th, 2021. We need your prayer support!
Before traveling to the national testing center by bus early yesterday morning, our CEO, Headmaster, Chaplain and several teachers met with these 39 outstanding P.L.E. Candidates for prayer and encouragement. We are confident that they have prepared well in spite of the countless challenges they have faced during the last 18 months.
At Hope Haven, these students have remarkable support: capable teachers, two meals on campus every single day, social workers who engage with their families to ensure their welfare, fantastic classrooms with the latest technology, relationships with Hope Angels in the US, and strong discipleship activities that lead them to steward their gifts well. They are excelling academically, developing strong character, and learning to be servant leaders.
However, as Fred, Nankpak and I gathered to pray at the site of the national testing center a week prior to their examinations, we acknowledged that God is leading the way for our Hope Haven Rwanda family. We have done our best to prepare well, but at the same time but we are dependent upon His grace. We join Jesus in praying to our Heavenly Father, “May your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Please pray for all the 355 students represented at the GS Gasogi testing center this week. I don’t have space to tell you all of the details, but let me share how Hope Haven is going the extra mile this year. In a gesture of goodwill toward our entire community, Hope Haven is providing lunch for ALL of the students and examiners at the testing center—380 meals each day for three days of testing—at our own expense. We love Rwandans and want the best for them all!