This past November I made the long journey to Tanzania with my wife Rita Langeland to celebrate a very special occasion with one of our TOA college students, Glory Ngowi. Glory was preparing for her graduation from Mzumbe University in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Glory in March 2007 after moving to Treasures of Africa Children's Home.Here is a little bit of Glory’s background that will help you appreciate this important milestone in her life. This is a milestone we are calling “Glory’s Victory!” Glory was one of the first children to be admitted to Treasures of Africa Children’s Home when its doors first opened in March of 2007. She was 7 years old when she started living at TOA. Her father had died, and her mother was unable to care for her and her 9-year-old sister Helena. They had been living with elderly grandparents. Another family member, who was financially unable to care for them, but concerned about their well-being, brought their situation to the attention of the Social Welfare authorities and Glory and her sister were brought to live at Treasures of Africa.
Glory on Graduation Day November 24, 2024Glory was always a diligent student who took her opportunity to study seriously. A few days before her graduation Glory shared with me that at one stage in her education she had received grades that were too low to move forward in the Tanzanian education system. She was given the choice to repeat the grade level or begin to pursue vocational training that would prepare her for a specific career path. After consulting with the TOA staff and seeking God's guidance she chose to repeat the grade level even though she knew it would subject her to ridicule from other students.
She believed that God would honor her willingness to humble herself and help her hold on to the goal of one day graduating from college. Glory renewed her commitment to study hard and by the end of the next school year she had earned the top student ranking in her grade level. She said that God used that very humbling experience to help her develop strong academic habits and the self discipline needed for university level education as well as strengthening her trust in the Lord.
Every one of our TOA KIDZ is a treasure and each one has unique challenges that they must learn to overcome. Glory's victory is a story from which we can all take encouragement. Please read her heartfelt and beautifully written thank you letter on the next page.
Rita and I also say "thank you" to each of the generous donors and prayer partners who made it possible for Glory to receive a safe loving environment as a young girl and an excellent education from first grade through University level.
Click here to read Glory's thank you letter to donors.
We have many children following in Glory's footsteps. If you would like to help then please make a donation to the Treasures of Africa KIDZ Education Fund: Click to Donate