We have seen some exciting development since our previous entry:
The situation in Shashemene now is:
1.We now have 210 children attending school in our rented building, 45 began in Sept’08 in addition to 165 who began back in Sept’07. The children are making good progress following standard Kindergarten curriculum under the locally employed teachers
2.The new school construction is well underway and may be completed by early June’09 if we can continue to meet the finance needs.
The new buildings can accommodate up to 320 children, initially our 210 children will transfer in Sept’09 and a further 40 will start so we will have enrolment of 250 for the school year 2009 – 2010. Further children will be added over coming years up to capacity.
The new school is approximately ½ mile from present school within reasonable walking distance for all the children from the present school
Following this transfer of children the present rented building will close.
We have also included on the new site plan a 3rd block of classrooms which may be built over next few years, this would bring capacity up to around 500.
We are very excited about this development and plan to include many ideas to promote this site for the benefit of all the local community through after school classes, adult literacy, health promotion and other relevant concepts.
Other developments:
Three of our local N.I. project members were in Shashemene in January 2009 to view the progress and meet with local committee as well as children and their families. We are very pleased with the progress being made in all areas.
While the project has also presented challenges along the way, all obstacles have been overcome. We have formed a strong bond and unity with all our partners and volunteers who share our commitment to this project and the children and people of Shashemene.
Developments in our local support here in N. Ireland:
Since 9th June 2008 we have opened our very own charity support shop in Randalstown and have been receiving great support from the local people. The shop is open each day, Mon – Sat, 10am – 5.00pm and is staffed by unsalaried volunteers from across the community.
This development is giving the school project a good financial boost with regular income for as long as we can have the shop premises.
We are able to sell a range of furniture, household items, books, toys, dvds, clothing etc and we welcome any donations which will help support the ongoing costs of the school project.
This is the main source of funding for our school project and all income goes directly into the project account except for any necessary shop expense eg. Light & Heat.
