A New Toilet for the Youth Polytechnic

Earlier in the year we received funding from the Ford Foundation under their STEVEK programme to build a new toilet block and showers to replace the current wooden shack pit latrines. 

The Original Boys Toilet - Just Imagine the Inside!

Me Pretending to Help

Progress!

 To future proof the scheme we decided to build the foundations for the full building we needed and then the superstructure for the 4 cubicles we could afford. This would allow the masonry and building technology trainees to finish it off at their leisure. Unfortunately the contractor we had vetted and selected decided to collect the money for work done and not pass it on to the labourers eventually pressure from the labourers on this and a previous scheme was too great and he absconded. 

Despite involving the, Senior Chief, Police etc etc we were unable to track him down to get the labourers paid. Luckily we had only paid him for completed works so the polytechnic did not have a loss but the hard working labourers were less than happy. If they ever find him I dread to think what form “natural justice” will take!! We are now looking to source funding to complete the broader building and finish the works he left incomplete. 

13 January - Kandara Children’s Home Visit

On the way back from Mount Kenya, Marc, Veronica and Anstice dropped by the children’s home. They came with balloons, footballs, etc so we had a great time and they brightened up a quiet Sunday no end for the kids. They just love visitors and the attention they get as you can see from the photos.

Marc has contacts who install biogas systems and also energy efficient stoves so felt he could help the home. With luck in a couple of months the home will have both courtesy of Marc and Veronica’s tenacity and generosity.   

Terrasia - one of the best smiles in Kandara!

 Marc and Newton - Terrasia's Twin Brother

Sponsor a Goat - The Real Long-Term Benefit

A sponsor from the UK helped the Kibe’s buy a goat, we got a pregnant one so now there are 3. 2 girls and a boy. The original plan was for the UK people to sponsor George through school. However by buying goat, for the cost of 1 years schooling, we have a sustainable income stream through a breeding programme and milk production that can fund George's schooling to the end. If we do it right we may also be able to fund others in the family. All for the price of one years schooling - Result! 

Anyone else interested in sponsoring a goat for other needy and worthy families in Kenya please get in touch. We can keep you updated with photos and progress reports etc. 

So here they are Jasmine, Simon and Ruth (the goats) with Jane, Elliott and George. Jasmine (mum goat) now provides milk for 4 families and Ruth (daughter of Jasmine) is soon to be ready to start breeding. Simon (Son of Jasmine) will either be sent to breed with other goats or become lunch – quite a contrast in options from his perspective!!?