Hello All,
We spent time in Mabomboh in July with Sien and Sira. We had another fulfilling and productive trip to the school and have some amazing updates to share with you all.
Solar Panels
Firstly, we are pleased to report that the new solar panels we have been fundraising for over the past year have been bought and successfully installed. We completed a 14-hour trip to Freetown to purchase all the solar equipment needed. This was then installed the next day on the second school building that was completed last year.
Thank you to all who donated towards this cause. In September the new solar will allow us to use more of the electrical equipment that has been donated. The school library currently has five desktop computers, and each classroom has its own designated laptop. This is a great opportunity for the children in this rural community to access IT.
Prize Giving
Moving on, we also held our second prize giving to celebrate the academic year. This was a lovely occasion, with members of the community in attendance to support the children. The students were awarded with certificates and trophies as well as gifts including stationary, toys and school bags (again sourced from donations so thank you once more).
The purpose of this occasion was to celebrate their achievements and provide an incentive for them to maintain their hard work. This is especially crucial for some of the girls attending the school, as we are determined to ensure they do not drop out, as is sadly so common in Sierra Leone.
Farming
Additionally, the farming is going strongly. The community members report that the rice looks promising and so we are optimistic for another good yield. We saw the cassava planted for the children, and that is also thriving.
Furthermore, the children’s school garden growing groundnut has been continuing successfully. During the last few days of the term the children spent time in the school garden planting various vegetables that can also be used in the feeding programme. We hope such activities will empower the children as they will enjoy foods grown by them for their school lunches.
Moving forward
In the next academic year we will be expanding our catchment area to neighbouring villages. We visited the two nearest villages to discuss the importance of nursery education with the parents. The parents expressed their gratitude that their children will also be able to attend the school and so we are encouraged by their willingness to engage.
Looking towards the future we have many goals. One key goal is to build more staff quarters. This is important as in order for us to attract teachers from other areas, it is crucial that they have somewhere to stay. Another goal is to continue with the farming and expand it so that we can continue to provide the children with free school meals. Finally, we must continue to raise funds to ensure we can pay our staff. Therefore, we ask for your continued support.
Thank you to everyone who has helped with this project, whether this has been through donations of money, clothes or equipment, attending any of our events, or spreading the word of the work we are doing. We are extremely grateful and could not do this without you.
