News: December 2004

EDUCATION

New Temporary Classrooms at Mwaya Primary School

The roof of the central double classroom eventually had to be demolished because the timbers were unsafe due to termite damage. The corrugated tin roof was saved, and RIPPLE Africa helped by providing the funds and organising the building of a new temporary structure so that Standards 1 and 2 could continue to be taught during the rainy season. The whole structure was erected in just two weeks and will prove invaluable in the years ahead.

RIPPLE Africa is appealing for help to raise funds so that a permanent double classroom block can be built. We anticipate needing £5,000 - £9,000 depending on the quality of the building and whether or not the local community will provide the bricks. We hope to start building by mid 2005.

Additional Malawian Teachers Funded by RIPPLE!

RIPPLE Africa is funding the full time salaries of six additional primary school teachers. They have proved to be a great success.

These additional teachers not only improve the teacher/pupil ratios, but they themselves gain useful experience if they should want to continue with a career in teaching.

There are now five trained teachers plus the six additional teachers, together with normally two to four overseas volunteers. This is a huge advantage for the primary school, and there is a marked improvement in the standard of work.

Secondary School Sponsorship Programme

Maurice and Harvey have been running the secondary school sponsorship programme with great enthusiasm. During 2004, RIPPLE Africa sponsored 35 students to go to various secondary schools.

Jenny, Maurice and Harvey have drawn up rules for the programme so that the money is used wisely for students who deserve help. Unfortunately, a few students have had to be removed from the programme due to poor attendance or poor performance, but the vast majority of students have benefitted from the sponsorship programme. The sponsored students at each school nominate a fellow student to be their representative, and he or she reports back to Maurice and Harvey and is the main link with that school.

In November 2004, Maurice organised a mini graduation for the sponsored students which was held at Mwaya Beach Lodge. We had a good turnout with 26 students attending. They were very positive about the sponsorship programme, and it was very rewarding to see their obvious gratitude and commitment to do well.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who were involved with the sponsorship programme over the year.

RIPPLE Africa Raises Over £7,500 at Akeley Woodstock

In July 2004, Akeley Wood School, Buckingham, England, held their annual rock concert which raised over £7,500 through ticket sales, raffles, and T Shirt sales for RIPPLE Africa.

A big “Thank You” to Akeley Wood and everyone who contributed. This money has made a big difference and has given RIPPLE Africa the ability to undertake various urgent projects.

			Company Registration No. 04823686 • UK Registered Charity No. 1103256	Contact RIPPLE Africa