Next big step
Last week, we were finally able to reopen the school. The Kenyan government has allowed a gradual resumption of classes. Last week, only the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades could start, as they need to catch up on postponed final exams next year. Classes are also accompanied by a mask mandate for all teachers and students, as well as requirements to adhere to hygiene measures. Additionally, we need to purchase a thermometer for CHF 50. It is a huge relief for us to return to normalcy, though meeting all the new requirements is a significant challenge. During the lockdown period, we continued to work on our plans, including renewing one of our metal buildings that was at risk of collapsing. This cost us CHF 300. The four new classrooms are almost finished, with only the cement floor and wall plastering remaining. They are already in use, and the children are thrilled with their new educational environment.
Next, we will cement the floors of six rooms, install electrical wiring in the walls, and plaster them. Since our school is situated on a hill, we need to fill the ground with sand before we can cement it. This naturally increases the cost. We have received the quotation for the construction and will start as soon as possible.
To our delight, we will also begin construction on 4 additional classrooms simultaneously. We have received some donations that have made the start of this construction possible. For the complete construction, we need approximately CHF 15,000. Currently, we have CHF 2,000. We are still relying on your support and would be very grateful if you could help us build our educational center.
| Construction work | Expenses |
|---|---|
| 4 trucks ballast | CHF 320 |
| Stone blocks | CHF 480 |
| 2 trucks of sand | CHF 520 |
| Laying the power cables | CHF 100 |
| 45 bags of cement | CHF 350 |
| Water | CHF 30 |
| Work | CHF 306 |
| Total | CHF 2’106 |
| Construction work | Expenses |
|---|---|
| Material | CHF 10’262 |
| Work | CHF 4’697 |
| Total | CHF 14’959 |
I launched a call for clothing and shoe donations and was overwhelmed by the many responses I received. Over the past few weeks, I have collected clothing from various places, and some people even brought it directly to my home. I am incredibly grateful for the kindness of everyone who donated their clothing. A big thank you also goes to Sacha Meister, coach of the women's youth teams at FC Ostermundigen, and all the players of the FCO. Last week, he handed me a large amount of children’s clothing and shoes. Thank you so much for your support!
In December, I will initiate a cargo shipment by plane to Kenya, sending approximately 160 kg of clothes and school supplies. Since I will be in Kenya at that time, I will personally pick up the shipment at the airport and bring it to the school. It’s a significant project, and I hope it will go smoothly. I will, of course, keep you updated throughout the process.
Last Saturday, we started packing the donations. Together with my friends, we spent the entire day sorting the clothes and trying to pack as many as possible. In the pictures, you can see the packing process. The remaining clothes will be stored in my garage and taken with me next year. A heartfelt thank you to my friends Luca, Elia, Mäni, and Dave for their support.
School supplies donations
We have received material donations for our school from various companies. We were very surprised and especially delighted by the positive responses to our request. Since school supplies are in short supply at our school, we are extremely grateful for these generous gifts. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the companies!
Stationery Zumstein sent us two packages full of school supplies. When I opened the packages, I was overwhelmed. They donated new colored pencils, pencils, protractors, erasers, sharpeners, and notebooks! This gift is priceless, and I am immensely grateful. Therefore, I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the entire school to Papeterie Zumstein!
From the Ingold Biwa AG sent us 150 A5 exercise books and actively supported us on Facebook.
School supplies Peter sent us 150 A5 exercise books and actively supported us on Facebook.
Thank you all so much!
