The Training-School for Colored Students
THE idea of legitimate self-support is plainly enjoined upon us in the Word of God; and as people become civilized and Christianized, they advance rapidly in this virtue. Those who have active minds and strong bodies, and yet fall short of this, are lacking in that which should characterize the enlightened man, much more the Christian. In all our Christian work, we find opportunities, yea, duties, of uplifting humanity,—of raising them to the highest level compatible with their abilities and circumstances. We should ever strive on until we become masters of circumstances. The negro, as much as others, needs to learn this lesson of self-support, of self-reliance, self-government; he needs to develop his executive ability. To better train him in this respect, the Oakwood Industrial School inaugurated plans about a year ago whereby every student in its attendance should become impressed with the idea of earning everything he gets while at the school, except his tuition. It was thought that the tuition ought to be free, owing to the circumstances of many of these people, and also to the rates charged at other Southern schools devoted to this race. So now the student at this school either brings the cash to pay his living expenses, or works on the school farm until he can enter on a cash basis for at least one term. We urge, however, that every one before taking regular classes earn enough to take him through the entire school year. This does not debar these students from all class work; some evening classes are held, so that every one here may be doing some mental work all the time. These students also attend morning worship and evening chapel service. They are credited for their labor according to its value and their faithfulness and efficiency. All, whether paying their expenses with money or with labor, work fifteen hours a week, or two and one-half hours a day for six days of the week, during the school year. These plans sift the prospective students before they come here; we now get a better class of people; and the discipline is much less taxing upon the teachers. When a student lacks clothing or supplies of any kind, and does not have the money to furnish himself with his necessities, he is allowed to work for the same at a proper rate, based upon the value of the needed articles. This we think a better training for usefulness in any capacity than the oft-repeated gifts made by some good but misguided people in many parts of this Southland. The school, being dependent upon the denomination for its existence and support, is in great need of gifts of many kinds, but an individual here does not need them as a general rule. Donations of money, good second-hand clothing, dried fruit, etc., are much needed. Any money saved by these gifts of clothing and food, is carefully used in supplying much-needed facilities, repairs, and improvements. But, brethren and sisters, some things that have been sent here in the past have been of little or no value. Do not send anything that you would not wish to receive were you in our circumstances. Send things useful to a class of people from twelve to forty years of age, especially from about sixteen to forty. These people have self-respect enough to attire themselves neatly and becomingly; they will not wear any old article that may be picked out of the scrap bag or waste box. The school has had to pay freight on much such useless stuff. It is best to send things that are worth the freight, and then to prepay the freight. We are very thankful for many of the articles that have been sent here. By them the school has received many hours of work in reclaiming some of our waste land, etc. Dear friends, we hope you will remember us in your prayers, and also in your liberal gifts. We need money and dried fruit the most. Let us hear from you. Address all communications concerning these matters to the Business Manager, Oakwood Industrial School, Huntsville, Ala.