Index

LET US SHINE 8th REPORT - 0CT0BER 2012

The last twelve months has seen great progress at the school in Kpandai, including the attainment of some remarkable achievements.

A drought which affected West Africa caused the failure of the public water supply, and cut the supply to the school. As a result it was decided to create a dedicated water supply by drilling a 55metre deep well, which now provides a safe supply of 25 litres per minute.

The second dormitory funded by East Kilbride Rotarians in 2010 was finally completed in time for the new term start in September which also saw the enrolment of 27 Primary 1 girls, bringing the school roll to 160 girls. The dormitory was furnished with beds, mattresses and mosquito nets provided by the pupils of St Mary's Primary School in Bannockburn.

In parallel with this the new building to house the computers and library, which was finished to a higher standard with the incorporation of ceilings and fans, was also completed thanks to combined funding from the Sylvia Waddilove Foundation; the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust; and the Mary Hodge Trust. This building will be temporarily used as a classroom for the first year secondary class which is made up from some of the first girls to enrol in 2007.

The start to secondary education in September meant more classrooms were needed, and a fund raising ball was held in October which also celebrated the fifth birthday of the charity's work in Kpandai. The Ball was attended by District 1230 Governor Alex Blair and his wife Kate who joined Rotarians from East Kilbride, Biggar and Sussex Vale clubs, as part of the 230 guests attending. Along with a donation from Partick Thistle Football Club their combined generosity raised the fantastic total of £13,300 which will allow a three classroom junior high school to be completed in 2013.

The weekend prior to the Ball, the charity organised a stand in the Hall of Fellowship at the 1230 District Conference in Pitlochry and East Kilbride member, George McGraw,

"volunteered" to deputise at the last minute as a session speaker, gaining some good publicity for the charity. The stand was manned by other East Kilbride Conference attendees, Rod and Kath Shanks along with Frances McGraw.