Support Quality Schooling of 250 Kids in Nguluni

Dear Friends and partners,

It has been a good start to the year 2019 for us Acres of Mercy. A few key highlights: -

1. At the end of the year when schools closed in October 2018, we had a total enrollment of 118 students, 58% (68%) were boys and 42% (50) were girls. There was an increase in boys’ enrolment while girls’ enrolment remained constant.
2. On 30^th February 2019 we had an enrollment at the school of 123. Of these 54% (66) were boys and 46% (57) were girls.
3. Of the 6 classes targeted for completion in 2019, we have completed 95% of Pre-primary 1, 80% of Pre-primary 2 and 50% of Grades 1-3. We will be starting on the foundation of the sixth class by July 2019.

As earlier stated in our last report, we wanted a different 2019, Here is a reminder of our key goals for the school and brief status updates.

1. Complete the construction of 6 classes; 5 are generally three-quarters done, and have been roofed. 1 class has been tiled, painted and had glass windows installed. The construction of 1 will start from foundation level.
2. Complete girls’ ablution block
3. Complete a Learning Makerspace for the school
4. Install outdoor playing equipment for pre-school children.
5. Enroll at least 150 children by the end of the year 2019
6. Have students participate in cognitive games like Chess to build their critical thinking and logic skills. A chess club is already in place and students have gone through over 20 hours of basic chess training. The school club has an active membership of 15 students as at end of February 2019.
7. Continue giving reading and comprehension skills. Between January and February 2019 over 100 story books have been borrowed from the school library and remediation classes are ongoing for children without foundational reading skills beginning at phonetical knowledge and skills.
8. Ensure children are attending school regularly and are learning
9. Improve parental participation in the school life of the children under their care. Since January 2019, we have had 2 parents’ meetings with a parental attendance of 50%
10. Together increase the support to the children from $2554 to $5000 by end of 2019.

On behalf of the Board, the staff and the children of Acres of Mercy we thank you for your continued support. Let’s make 2019 the best year yet as we seek to get more partners and friends involved in transforming the lives of children.