From Orphan to Teacher - Simeon's Story of Transformation
Simeon Nathiya
My name is Simeon Nathiya, I am 20 years old. I don’t remember much about when my dad died. I was pretty young. My uncle stepped in to help take care of us. About that same time some people from a local church started a program to help orphaned kids. My uncle made sure that my mom got us signed up for the program.
At first we went just once a week, on Saturdays. I was one of the very first kids to be in the program.
One of the first pictures of Simeon in 2010.
I was about 13 years old when they started Circle of Hope and we started going to the Grace Center all the time. One day my uncle came to meet with Mayi (Mrs.) Roller. He was concerned about my secondary school fees. We didn’t know how we would be able to pay the fees, but I desperately wanted to go to school. Mayi Roller and Pastor Phiri agreed that Circle of Hope would pay my school fees.
Last year I graduated from Secondary School. Pastor Phiri gave me a job working at the Primary School. I’m so glad that I can give back a little of what has been given to me. I hope that one day I will be chosen to go on to Teaching College.
Simeon's sponsorship picture from 2011.
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to interact with team members from America, but this past summer was the first time I had the responsibility to take care of a team. It was a very busy day at the Grace Center and Pastor Phiri was not able to take the team to the airport. He choose Gomesa and I to lead the team to the airport. I was shaking in my shoes, but so glad to lead! We had a lot of adventures that day! The mini-bus broke down on the side of the road and we had to call for help. We got to go up on the observation deck of the airport and watch the airplanes. We stopped for chicken and chips (fries) at the local gas station. It was an awesome day!
What is my piece in the puzzle?
I am a teacher. I teach the children you sponsor. I give back each day because of my joy and gratitude that so much was given to me. I hope that in the years to come I will be able to carry a bigger piece and do even more for our children and for our community.
Simeon (holding book) teaching with another Grace Center staff member.