Here is a comment to the blog posted by Heather Simon, a teacher at Hope Middle School who had students from two classes write to and receive letters from Nyaka students:

“I am so thankful for Nyaka and Chris Singer. He has brought a school half way around the world to our classroom. The energy in the room that morning was powerful, but what is amazing to me is the momentum of that energy. Each day, one of my students is connecting our learning or an individual conversation we have to the students of Nyaka. Open up some of my students’ lockers, and the first thing you see is the picture of their pen pal. Many have purchased frames for their new friend so they have a special spot in their bedroom.

Upon reflection, I realized that the opportunity Chris has afforded my students and I is a real, personal connection to another human being – a human being that is too often over looked in our world. However, one day, my students will be in a situation in which people around them will speak of Africa and Her people. They may even be in a situation where they are called to help Her children. They are more apt to embrace the conversation and speak up on their behalf or help them, because they have a personal relationship to a person who has touched their life. It may be more difficult to turn away from the suffering of people who have written a letter to you saying, “I love you,” or “If you come to my village, I will give you my three hens.” The seed of hope has been planted – I thank God for the harvest.

I greatly appreciate Chris and Nyaka for taking the next step in uniting our children – therefore, giving more hope to a more united future. I thank the students of Nyaka for bringing so much love and joy into my students’ hearts – from a simple letter. Wow – the power of words!”