New Social Security to be implemented

Before I tell you about the new Social Security program here, let me just mention that the strike was one of the most peaceful ones we've had. I'm guessing that it's because it wasn't called by the transportation industry. Theirs usually include violence. We are all very thankful it went so well.

This year has brought heavy additional costs to all private schools here. It is likely that many of the smaller private schools will not survive. Earlier this year teachers were given a raise from their entry level salaries. This was a good thing. It was desperately needed.

Now schools are faced with paying an additional 16% for the new Social Security program, which officially begins in September. This program is supposed to include health care (with a co-pay) and pensions for employees. This is a good thing as well, but it is difficult for schools to do.

Teachers are paid 13 months a year here. How's that again? They are paid during the summer, and as all other regular employees nationwide, they get double pay in December.

I need a fundraiser! There are so many things that I have to do in order to make this school function, I simply cannot stop doing them to raise funds. I'm in sort of a catch 22 situation. If I stop and go fundraising, the school will fall apart, but if I don't have the funds, I cannot run the school.

A hammer or a wrench? You can use a wrench for a hammer for a while. The wrench will require more effort, but it will usually work, although not as well as a hammer would. Eventually, though, the wrench will break, and won't be a good wrench or hammer!

What I'm good at, and what I'm called to, is running the school. What I'm not made for is raising finances. So pray with me, that the Lord will lift this burden off me and place it on someone who is gifted for this work. I don't want the school to fail, but I can only keep hammering for so long.

Country news

I read in the morning newspaper that there is a national strike planned for Monday. more info What usually happens when there is a strike, is that there is no public transportation, and everything is closed. But then, most of the strikes are called by the transportation people. Any driver who dares to work that day runs a very slight risk of getting a molotov cocktail thrown into his vehicle. Most stores do not dare to open either, although sometimes the little local stores will sell on the sly out the back door.

It's a good day to stay home, because strikes always have the potential to become violent. Almost all here have some violence, but on the whole the strikes of recent years are fairly peaceful. The few incidents that happen are overreported, so people become more frightened about it all. The populace really has little choice; they are forced participants. That is the saddest part of all.

There have been protests in the capital this past week by a sector that is demanding water and electricity for their area. They have been lacking adequate water supply for weeks. What they have done is block off a main road going out of the capital, causing serious traffic jams.

Meanwhile, on the home front, I have not had any more problems since the garbage can was stolen and a day later when a guy was seen inside my locked gate. Except of course--where to put the garbage now!