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A New School Building for Gaceuni,
the first ever stone building in the area
| our first classroom completed |
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| more to follow - see our picture gallery |
At the end of 2006 we were approached by an Ireland based company who
were prepared, over the next few years, to raise funds to build a new school, but they wished for some of their staff
to have the opportunity to travel to Kenya to experience the way of life first hand, and perhaps help in the construction
of the buildings. see Trips.
The school was commenced in January 2007. Again locals were employed to build the school,
with both men and women taking part. During the trip in March 2007, three men in our party took the horrenduous
journey to Gaceuni (2-3hours over treacherous terrain) and offered their help to build. What they discovered was unbelievable.
It was 40 degrees and the women were doing a 10km round trip to fetch sufficient water to mix the cement. Others were
carrying heavy 6 foot beams for miles, to be used for roofing - hence progress was really slow. It was apparent
that water in the area, or lack of it, was the main problem. It was decided that future
monies would go to providing water, and the school work was suspended after the completion of the first classroom. It
recommenced after we provided a borehole and water pump close to the school. We now have the fourth classroom
completed and the fifth ready to start.
SCHOOL UPDATE SEPT 2008
Four classrooms are now completely finished, with the fifth one commenced. Eddie
McIntyre from Derry/Londonderry spent a few days in Sept 2008 helping to lay the floor . It was hard, tiring, thirsty
work, but his help was very much appreciated. We have recently appointed a Manager for Sonshine club, in Kenya, and
hopefully with Jerusha's enthusiasm the fifth classroom will be completed soon and finished in record time. During
our stay in this area we sleep in a classroom, and it is amazing to see the children arrive for school shortly after
6.30 am. Lessons didn't commence until about 8.30 am. In this school there is only two paid staff, the remainder
teachers give of their time voluntary. We would like sponsors the these teachers as
they are doing a fantastic job.
How can
you make a difference
For further details
contact
| Two landrover - |
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| a mobile clinic and a mobile workshop |
Our
Latest Project
In Middle of May, we sent a 40 ft container containing the two landrovers
- one having been converted to a mobile clinic and the other to a mobile workshop, as well as a multitude of power tools and
other equipment to Kenya. The response to our appeal was so great that we had to acquire a second 20 ft container,
and this was also filled with lots of school equipment, sports equipment, clothes, tools and all sorts of things.
The larger container had already been fitted inside and will be converted into a workshop when it arrives at its destination.
| Mobile clinic |
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| Will travel to remote areas, bring much need medical help |
| Heather cleaning out the 40 ft container |
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| This will be converted into a workshop on arrival |
| looking good |
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| This will be a travelling workshop |
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