By July 2007, paid-in contributions amounted to almost Euro 85,000 (about £57,000). This has enabled the green light to be given to the Community to start construction of the second classroom block, which will be the same size as the first. It will include 3 classrooms and a school library, partially funded by a grant from the UN-FAO 1% Fund. Work has already started with the aim of having the block ready in good time for the intake of a further 150 pupils at the beginning of the 2008 academic year next February. Water storage tanks are also under construction.

The school management has drafted a 5 year strategic plan, in which it proposes a building programme. Each of the coming 2 years will include the construction of further classroom blocks. Other proposed buildings consist of specialised teaching facilities (science laboratory, home sciences, practical skills training, computer training etc), teachers’ housing and dormitory blocks for girls and boys. The pace of construction will depend mainly on the availability of funds.

All the signs are that the school is functioning well and that there is a very positive atmosphere amongst both staff and pupils. An effective Parent-Teachers Association has been set up, and a Bursary Committee has been created by the school to assess applicants for bursaries as well as to oversee the development of income generating activities (e.g. brick-making, poultry etc) with which to pay for some of the bursaries and offer skills training. The process of registering the school with the Ministry of Education is almost complete, and the Ministry has already made grants towards the cost of laboratory equipment and teachers’ salaries.

The next appeal for donations will be made in September 2007, about one year after the initial appeal. Funds will be sought both for buildings and equipment as well as for financing of bursaries for destitute children, mainly AIDS orphans, who would not otherwise be able to attend the school.