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Project Steadfast:
July 2007 and we found ourselves once more in Kenya and enjoying the
company of the Children of The Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades of Kerarapon.
From the beginning the response from all has been incredible and a
source of huge encouragement to all involved in the fund raising effort,
though, all our hard work here at home paled when we saw first hand the
tremendous effort and hard work that has gone on in Kenya since our last
visit, what a sight to behold!
In July 2007 the walls for the first three classrooms were completed.
Each class to hold a maximum 30 pupils with a target class of 25 all of
the work being carried out by hand, right down to the quarrying of the
stone for the walls. Testimony itself to the determination, skill and
hard work of the People of Kerarapon and continued inspiration to our
own fundraising efforts
The Girls’ Brigade Tree being planted in the school Grounds
The next phase of building will see work
commence on the accommodation unit for disabled children. In Kenya the
School and its principals will break new ground in education with the
integration of both able and disabled children into joint education.
Something we take as being the norm here in Scotland is a great leap
forward for the School in Kenya. With society there often turning
its back on the plight of disabled children, education is undoubtedly
the most direct way of helping remove the stigma and isolation felt by
so many. On completion of the School, facility will also be
made for the education of children with specific needs which cannot be
catered for in the main school.
Though even in this integration will continue on the principal that even
where they cannot take lessons together, they can always learn to play
together and to respect each other.
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St Andrews School July
2007
During our stay we were able to meet with
the whole project team once again, Church Elders, Architect, Engineer
and representatives from the youth of The Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades.
The hospitality extended to us was incredibly humbling, something which
is punctuated as you begin to comprehend just how hard life there can be
for so many of these people. During the meeting the next
phases of build were discussed and agreed. The Roof and
fitting out of these first classes along with the construction of the
sanitary facilities will press ahead as quickly as possible, within
three to four months these first three classes could see their first
pupils taking their seats.
Even though our trip was short, we were able to visit with the Orphans
at Sausoa (the orphanage is operated by The Brigade Captain and her
husband, supported by Thomas Barnardos).
A wonderful day was spent listening to and talking with the children in
between playing volleyball in the garden. For all the gifts
we took them were hugely appreciated, the greatest gift is love.
For these children and indeed all the young people of Ololua the time we
spent with them was worth more than any material object we left behind,
a point not wasted on us.
The Children at Sausoa |
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There is simply not enough
space on an A4 sheet of paper to pass on all the news from our recent
trip so you will have to await the next instalment. Some space this time
being taken up to let everyone know just how the fundraising effort to
date has been. In short ‘Fantastic’ our original target being to raise
£33629.00 by August 2008.
This would have put in place the initial classes, water and sanitation
facilities to enable the School to get underway.
In January of this year following our initial trip we were so struck by
the effort and dedication of the young people of Kerarapon Parish we
raised the bar to reflect how much we should achieve for these children.
We are now just £16000.00 away from realising a target of £58000.00 not
only completing the initial school build and the disabled accommodation
unit but to be able to finish the project to a level far beyond the
wildest dreams of November 2006. |
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It Can Be Done - With Your Help It Will Be Done
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Donations can be made directly to the 5th
Livingston, 51st Bonnyrigg or 1st Loanhead Company of The Boys’ Brigade.
Alternatively you can donate by post to:- The Treasurer, 5th Livingston
Company the Boys’ Brigade, C/O 125 Bankton Park West, Murieston,
Livingston, EH54 9BS.
(if posting please make your donation by cheque only. Cheques should be
payable to Project Steadfast)
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St Andrews School July 2007
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