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.
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