By Nigel England | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator
After a good flight from London through Casablanca, Dick Wheelock and I arrived in Cotonou where we were met by DieuDonne Kakpo our local co-ordinator. On our drive to Affame we stopped to pick up steel tubing and paint to make a frame to mount the solar panels on the orphanage roof.
The new kitchen, storeroom and dining hut were in place (although needing a little finishing in part). We also met a new member of the team (Alice, a recently bereaved lady) with her young son, who will live in as supervisor.
I was very pleased to know that 4 girls and 6 boys have now moved in to the orphanage, with a new girl due to come next school term. The children have been in for a fortnight, are settled in, look happy and well fed.
We were able to complete the setting up of the solar panels that will give a consistent electrical supply and run both water pump and fridge.
We met with local education officers and agreed a feedback system for the 116 children/young people in school, university and apprenticeships. I am setting up a spreadsheet to monitor their progress and help with the new intake.
The 4 hectares of land acquired recently looks very promising for growing food and cash crops.
Altogether a very encouraging and successful visit!
By Nigel England | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator
By Dick Wheelock | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator
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