Autumn 2022 newsletter
** near completion of new boys’ dorm ** community health centre and sick bay ** clear drinking water and elimination of plastic project **new farm manager and volunteer**
Dear Friends and Supporters
We’ve been busy over the summer improving our infrastructure, and we’re thrilled to share news that our boys’ dormitory is almost complete after a six-month building project. We’ve also made progress with local community and on-site health services, and improvements on the farm.
Boys’ dormitory
Work began in February on a new building to accommodate up to 240 boys, ready for occupation by mid-October. With a traditional but innovative design, it is our most progressive structure yet in terms of sustainability, including solar panels and a biodigester to convert sanitary waste into fertiliser for the farm. The building is U-shaped, incorporating four large dorms, two washing facilities, three private rooms for supervising staff and for our head prefect, and an additional multi-use room. The project has been a challenge due to increased material, labour and transport costs, which have risen 30% in line with national inflation. As a result we are still looking for funding of approx. £11,000 towards the solar array. Fit-out costs for beds and lockers will be £80 per student. The ongoing running costs for each child at the school amounts to £400 per annum.
Our plastic-eliminating water project
We’ve recently tested our two boreholes, and the results are excellent. Our water is perfectly potable, and we’re in the process of setting up three water dispensers around the site. Each student and staff member will be issued with a durable, reusable bottle. Until now, drinking water has been provided in plastic pouches or bottles, which have not been able to be recycled due to lack of facilities. This will substantially reduce our carbon footprint at the school.
We are extremely grateful to our wonderful donors:
The Quin Foundation for their substantial contribution to the dormitory project
Hunza G. for their generous recent donation
The Strate Family and Hamburg Rotary Club for their generous recent donations
The Bielenberg Family trust for its ongoing support
Lorenzo Mele who completed a half marathon in aid of the boys’ dorm. Click here to support him
Johnnie Huddart who will be cycling London to Amsterdam in November. Click here to support him
Farm to fork
Over the last few months we’ve had excellent harvests of maize, cassava and plantain, all of which are essential carbohydrates that make up a substantial part of the school food program. This is due in no small part to our new farm manager, Francis Amentesa, who comes with experience of running an organic farm, and has a passion for sharing his knowledge of agricultural practice with the students. He is supported by an experienced retired farmer from Ireland who has very generously given three months of time to support Alma Mater Education.
A sprinkler irrigation system has been installed on one acre of the site, and drip irrigation on an additional two acres. We forecast to have ten acres in full production by the end of the year, supplying our fantastic school cooks daily with carrots, tomatoes, cabbages and chilli for the 250 students currently at the school.
Community Health Services
The Tony Garrn Foundation has been instrumental in the provision of health services in the Wioso community. Their funding has improved the village health centre with the additional of a maternity and birthing centre with dedicated midwives. The Foundation has also funded the completion of a sick bay at the school, which is now overseen by a school nurse. On-site treatment ensures that fewer students will have to leave campus when ill, ensuring minimum disruption to the educational offering provided by the school.
Back in July, our scholarship students were also the proud recipients of new laptops donated by the Toni Garrn Foundation. Visit their website to find out more about their inspiring initiatives in girls’ education. https://tonigarrnfoundation.org/