Dear Friends,
We have come to the end of the second month of the year – February 2005 – and a few things have happened since my last brief.
Elementary (Primary) school students
Vinani, the only elementary school student, was on a mid-term break last weekend. When I asked him how he felt about his school and studies, he smiled broadly and answered, “ … fine”. It was evident he was happy being in a boarding school.
From last year’s Elementary school graduates, we have altogether received about 250 applications for scholarship. As it is now, we may not be able to take them all due to limited funds. We may be forced to consider only a quarter of them, as we still have to support those already in the sponsorship program in high schools.
High school students
Those in high school and still in our sponsorship program are about 80 – others having completed their grade 12 (form 4) course last year, while others did not apply for assistance this year. We received a number of applications for assistance from high school students almost similar to that of Elementary school graduates. While there has been a sharp increase in the demand for assistance in the Kenyan schools this year, the same may not be said of the flow of funds at the moment from well-wishers. We hope, though, that this trend will be countered.
Boniface Kitsao is now settled in his new school and is about to register for his final exams in the year.
Mtondia Primary School Renovation project
Due to a shortfall in the estimates for the above project, we had to momentarily take a break of about two weeks on it as we sat down to plan for its completion in the final phase. We are now back to work and look forward to having all the work completed by next month, March 2005.
Mr. Greg Martin of the Calgary Rotary Club, with whom we have been working on this project, is reportedly going on vacation until next April and we all wish him a restful holiday.
Meanwhile, our heads are already at work regarding the next renovation project and we shall be informing you in due course about the next station of work.
A new partnership
An organization – Computers For Schools Kenya (CFSK) – one based on the Canadian model, Computers For Schools Canada, has written to us through Mr. Jason Ibell of Nairobi, Kenya, proposing to jointly explore areas of cooperation for the benefit of the Kenyan schools where the Northern Magic Fund For International Development has been assisting students. We think this is a great idea and could work magic towards the enhancement of computer knowledge in Kenyan schools, especially in Kilifi, most of which are in the rural areas. We will be keeping you informed of any developments in this area.
Finally, thank you once again for your wonderful support.
Sincerely,
Andrew