The education department has been the worst hit by the Covid restrictions, causing serious interruptions and resulting in some students failing to meet the mark for promotion to the next level. However, for those who are determined, nothing will stop them from progressing. Eighteen students from the first batch of the Acceleration Learning Program (ALP) sat for the entrance to secondary school and eleven of them got through. A pleasant surprise! The ALP is a compressed Primary syllabus for late schoolers. It shortens seven years of pre-primary and primary syllabus to only four.

The goal of ElShaddai Centre Education is not just to impart knowledge, but to develop each student holistically involving character building, life skill empowerment, as well as a balanced healthy growth in the spiritual, emotional and physical areas. These educational objectives are to be achieved amid new and global-wide developments and trends. It is imperative that we do not remain where we are but progress from a conservative learning environment to a smart digital one that will adequately prepare the students for their future. The ultimate outcome is to develop an integrated approach to nurture the next generation who will be critical thinkers, creative and discerning, well equipped to not just cope with life amid constant new developments and changes, but are enriched in every way to contribute constructively, making the world a better place for everyone.

In our effort to provide holistic education, we would also like to commend the efforts of the Social Development team. They have been actively reaching out to the communities to understand their social issues, following which they have designed and conduct relevant trainings. Child Protection and SGBV (Sexual Gender Based Violence) awareness trainings have been conducted for all ElShaddai Centre students and some communities. Life Coaching was also included to build the capacity of community focal point leaders, enabling them to help others within their own communities.

The work of a small but dedicated team in Sabah has significantly benefited the stateless communities there. The team initiated in providing education to the children, through mobilising teachers from their own communities, though there are not many who are literate. After two years of labour, we are seeing a satisfying outcome through their education efforts and discipleship trainings. Moving into the totally unfamiliar grounds of helping the stateless people in Sabah was a great risk that required faith and boldness. It was possible because of the knowledge that we are enriched in every way to bless the most deprived and marginalised in the same manner.

We are grateful to our partners who have not abandoned us throughout the difficult and inconvenient Covid-restriction period and prayed with us for a smooth recovery. We deeply appreciate every church, individual and organisation, both local and abroad, for their faithful journeying with us. It is your encouragement and unwavering support to this work that turned a most challenging task into a most satisfying and glorifying one. Truly we are enriched in every way to be generous in every way, that all thanks and praises will return to God!