The New Life School
The New Life or “Nueva Vida” Christian School, a non-denominational special needs school, was founded in 2000 by Judy Griffith Kerschner, an American Christian nurse. At this time, many children with disabilities were refused the right to gain a public education and consequently, were forced to be confined to their homes. The Lord led Ms. Kerschner to open a school where these children could gain an education and would also be valued and shown God’s love. The New Life School is located in Santa Maria de Jesus, which is approximately 15 minutes from the city of Antigua. Santa Maria is a predominately Mayan village with a population of approximately 29,000. Santa Maria has the highest rate of poverty, illiteracy, alcoholism, and domestic abuse in the department of Sacatapequez.
The mission of the New Life Christian School is primarily to provide an education to those who cannot be educated in the public school system because of a disability. They also equip the students with the skills necessary to lead more independent and meaningful lives focused on God. Through generous donations from Christian individuals, the school has purchased wheelchairs and medicine for the children and paid for many of their medical services. Ultimately, New Life seeks to aids students in becoming respected Christian members of society who make a difference in the world around them. This school has also become a major influence on the community of Santa Maria de Jesus. In a culture where children with disabilities are hidden, looked down upon, and viewed as evil or shameful, the New Life School has shown this community that all people are loved by God.
My Role at the New Life School
Currently, the New Life Christian School does not have a speech pathologist on staff. There are many unmet needs at the school because of the lack of trained staff members. The teachers at the school have a basic 2 year education degree but do not have training in special education. My roles at the school will be varied. I will work with the students with speech and language disorders, provide assistance to the teachers in their classrooms, and also help with the spiritual aspect of the school's ministry.
Currently, my plan is to move to Guatemala in July of 2012. The school year at New Life runs from January to October. Therefore, I will be moving there approximately halfway through the school year. I plan to begin with a time commitment of 2.5 school years. After this time, I will re-evaluate my time commitment.
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