When the news of the damaged roof was announced we received a very generous and rapid response. This enabled us to send out funds to replace the missing roofing sheets and repair the damage. As a result the students were able to continue with their studies and take their grade 8 and grade 9 examinations.
The results of the grade 8 examinations have been received and 12 of the 19 students passed. (3 were unable to sit) This is a good achievement and continues to show great progress. Undoubtedly the additional funding that has been received during the year has improved the chances for the children at the school. It has to be remembered that the students from the school come from very difficult backgrounds – most of them have been orphaned and some are also HIV+, and not always in the best of health. Without PIZZ school these children would have little chance of any formal education.
The school is eagerly awaiting the results of the grade 9 examinations. Last year two students moved on to local secondary schools and continue to receive funding through PIZZ school. The success of the school will inevitably lead to more students ready to move to secondary school, though continuing funding could be a problem.
It is hoped to bring a new classroom into use this year to allow students to retake a year. These students are those who through illness or other problems, didn't achieve high enough marks to pass their exams this year, but still have the potential if given another chance.
If you are able to help us to continue helping all these lovely but very seriously disadvantaged children, your donation will be most gratefully received!
We are delighted that a new carer, Agartha, who has formal childcare qualifications, has agreed to work at the Centre, initially on a trial basis.
In addition, Misthy has been busy finding a builder and his team to build the kitchen and dining room which will serve both the Centre and the Misthy Cee Educational Complex (MCEC) school. Funds have now been sent for work to start on the foundations of the building, and we hope to share further details and some photos as the work progresses.
Misthy also received some money so he could buy food and drinks for the children and adults at the Centre to have a party at Christmas time, and the photo shows a number of the children dancing and having fun.
Although most reports from the Centre are extremely encouraging, the fact remains that the children have some very basic needs that are not being fully met. Misthy has identified mosquito nets, mattresses, sheets and pillows as particularly pressing requirements, and any financial help that our supporters worldwide can give would be hugely appreciated.
Links:
Paluoc is a carpentry training workshop, built in 2010/11 with help from HANDS AROUND THE WORLD, which offers training to disadvantaged young people in Kisumu, Kenya. The youngsters include street children; many have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
The workshop started last year with 4 trainees and now that the consignment of recycled carpentry tools has arrived from “WorkAid” the number can be expanded to 12 . The aim is to provide both a means of employment and a source of future income for trainees’ families.
We need help at this early stage to get the centre up and running effectively, hoping ultimately that it will be self sustaining.
Two supporters of HATW, Joan and Lyn are visiting Paluoc, at their own expense, in Feb/March 2012. They have interests in other projects in the area and will be able to give us valuable feedback and first-hand accounts of developments, and some photos.
