NEWS FROM LEMPINTIRA CBO
First of all, a very big THANK YOU to all those who supported the fundraiser on 21st September 2024, whether in person and/or through the online Prize Draw. Your contribution has made a huge difference. Special thanks to Colin Murray (broadcaster and television presenter) for hosting the evening; Lycetts (Insurance Brokers and Financial Services) for their matched funding; and the John Drummond Trust for their donation.
Funds raised (£14,732) were primarily for building the accommodation for the two teachers at the nursery school. This two-unit construction was formally commissioned at the end of November 2024, attended by many of the local ladies plus the chief and, of course, the two teachers.
There were a few details to be addressed (snagging) but these were rectified immediately after the commissioning.
Just recently, we were informed that the elephants have returned which is good as it demonstrates that the wildlife is prepared to return and help to make the area wild again. However, they were obviously drawn to the vegetables that had been lovingly grown in the area around the borehole. They knocked down the fence and helped themselves. Luckily, they didn’t damage the borehole or the solar panels. Solar powered electric fencing is now in place.
*STOP PRESS: 1st February 2025 – the electric fence was quickly installed and last night the elephants retreated!*
The pipe from the borehole water supply to troughs has deteriorated and needs replacing so that wild and domestic animals have access to water. Quotes are being obtained to se what this would cost. It would also be beneficial to build a small dwelling by the borehole compound for staff which would add further security.
The school is now back in session and because the teachers are living close by, they have extended the school day until 3pm.
SCHOOL LINKING
As Kenyan schools return from their long holidays and our UK schools start the term, we are hopeful that the school links will develop. Regent Farm First (Gosforth) and Mercy Education Centre (Mbita, Kenya) have maintained their link and have exchanged pupils’ work. Regent Farm also sent some money for resources:
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship of pupils in secondary and further education has been ongoing for a number of years. Some of the first students to be sponsored have now completed their education and are in employment:
Extracts from Risper, a sponsored student: ‘I want to inform that I now have my OHAK registration card (Oral Health Association of Kenya) ….. I am working at Oasis Keroka Hospital in Kisii……… I do oral examinations; tooth extraction; tooth filling; root canal treatments; and full mouth scaling’
At present, 14 school pupils and 10 students in further education are being sponsored. Sponsorship funds are obtained from a variety of sources: monthly donations from supporters; sale of items on eBay; and sale of books, CDs and DVDs. The trustees are very grateful to all those are help to enable these young people to progress through education to give them the best possible chances of securing employment.
Once again, many thanks for those that support Development Direct in a variety of ways. If you know of anyone who may like to support us the charity, please forward this to them and/or ask them to make contact through [email protected] .
If they simply wish to donate, the bank details are:
Development Direct
Ac No: 24922374
Sort code: 60-09-47
With best wishes
Gill Blissett 31st January 2025