Linda Greenland & Mike Radford
102 Whitecross Avenue
Whitchurch BRISTOL BS14 9JE
Tel: 01275 834883
A fantastic start to the year! On the 8th Jan there were queues outside the school, parents of existing pupils registering them for another year and new parents arriving at 7am in the morning to be sure of a place! Miriam had her work cut out, over 184 children registered the first week. The problem was only 2 teachers!! Interviewing begun and within 2 weeks they had 5 teachers and all classes had begun!!
Word soon got around, the MP of Mombasa with District Commissioner and representative from the British High Commission gave a surprise visit to the school. They found local villagers down the toilet holes, clearing out loose sand and stone from the bottom!! They were amazed at the work being done, and the government have said they will try to provide a hand pump for the well when it is finished.
We gave money to build the toilets. The situation was getting desperate (Excuse the pun!!) the one original toilet was not enough for 184 pupils!! Work had been delayed while surveys, inspections etc had to be obtained. We spent over £500 obtaining these. Work will continue on the well & toilets for the next few months.
We bought 5 notice boards for the classrooms to display posters and children’s work. A splendid job was done!!
Over 100 children now sponsored, our aim is to get another 50 sponsored this year!!
We paid for uniform /shoes/socks/school bag and pencil cases for many of our sponsored children. Some textbooks were also provided.
APRIL - Work has started on the 6 Th classroom already up to roof level. The outside of all the classrooms will be rendered and a walkway/path will be built around the school buildings to prevent rain washing away the foundations, and the children won’t have to stand in the mud!!
We bought lots of needed school equipment, including a bell for the school, water butts with tap for the children drinking water that has to be bought every day and is delivered on a handcart in containers from Likoni 3 miles away. Teacher’s textbooks and other books have been purchased.
Money was also given to help a few local people to start a small business to help them support themselves and their children.
Thanks to everyone who sponsor children, or make donations to support the school. PLEASE KEEP IT UP!!
A special thanks is given for the support of the people listed below, without them the school would not have been built in such a short time!!
Bramall Construction –Wigan – donation towards building a classroom
Bristol Water – donation towards borehole and Toilets. Also employees sponsor children.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – young people and organisers raising money through sponsored events and selling African crafts.
John Hammond & Masonic Lodges – Wigan & Lancs - continued fundraising is paying for the school to be rendered. Also friends and members have sponsored children.