A Big Thank You!

This year we had another very successful visit to Rungwe and I'm writing to thank you all again for your support and to give an insight of what went on and how we spent the funds raised. We rely totally on voluntary contributions, fundraising activities and grants without all of which we would not be able to continue.

With regard to Youth and Cultural Exchange activities our students spent 2 days at each of our 4 partner secondary schools. Activities included experiencing Tanzanian teaching and giving the Tanzanians a taste of British teaching methods through delivering classes on British Culture, sport and science (all devised and delivered by our students). There was also the sharing of music and dance and a combined sports day. In small groups we also visited our 8 partner primary schools where students were able to see first hand the problems facing many of these schools including poor facilities and infrastructure and large class sizes of 60 or more. Some of the students also got the opportunity to experience home stays with Tanzanian families which gave them a direct experience of rural life. One student described being woken by chickens in the morning: not their noise but by them clambering over his bed! Amongst all of that there was the important activity of our students being able to meet and spend time with their Tanzanian counterparts, learning from each other and forming friendships which will hopefully last for years to come.

Despite the difficult economic climate over recent years we were able to spend close to £29,000 on school projects thanks to the generosity of our supporters. The biggest single project (£8800) was that on connecting Kisondela Secondary school with electricity. This was something we have been aiming towards for several years and was largely made possible by a generous donation of nearly £4500 by Egremont Today. When we left in August, the electricity poles were being delivered but we have since heard that the lights have now been switched on.

Other projects included completing work on a laboratory which we started in 2008, roofing a dining hall, rehabilitating a boy's dormitory, completion of 3 classrooms and 2 teacher's houses. During the visit we bought materials for these projects and also helped out with some groundwork.

We took out 6 computers to add to those we'd taken out in 2006 and 2008. All these computers were donated and whilst second hand were in good working order. A number of our students helped to set these up and also troubleshoot and repair problems with some existing machines. Nearly this year's entire batch went to the Lubala Secondary School where we were delighted to find they were now building up a structured IT department including recruitment of a dedicated teacher. In addition to computers we distributed other donated gifts including sportswear and equipment, books, school materials and clothing. 

Accompanying us on this visit were 3 volunteer Physiotherapists who spent their time working at a rehabilitation centre for disabled children at the Katumba 2 primary school. As well as making an immediate impact they were able to pass on advice and give guidance to the resident staff. In addition we were able to buy much needed materials for shoe and appliance adaptations and for splinting: enough to keep things going for a year or more. We paid for the purchase of a cow (courtesy of Southfield School in Workington) and also provided funds to allow the part time employment of a local therapist for 4 months whilst a case for extended employment could be made.

Our students also had the opportunity to spend time at the centre and assist in the activities. Particularly memorable were the music sessions with some of the blind children.

I hope the above gives a flavour of what we got up to. The visit was hard work and often challenging but ultimately very rewarding for those who took part. Thank you again for your support.