Library and admin block at Mikuyu
For the first time, the teachers and students in Mikuyu have a library and space to prepare lessons.
The old admin building was too small and becoming unsafe
A very happy Oscar Mponda and students at Mikuyu getting their first look at the new books in the recently completed library block.
Smiles all round. Education matters! Thank you Rotary Club of Farnham
December 2020: The first textbooks have arrived at Mikuyu!
The first consignment of textbooks, donated by Farnham Rotary have been delivered to Mikuyu Senior School.
Michael Atkinson, from Rotary explained why they chose to support this project:
”We know education can transform the lives of children in the world’s poorest countries, but it’s often difficult to know exactly how to help. Because Malawi Schools Trust works in direct partnership with the school, we were able to get an exact list of the books that were needed. The reassurance that our donation will have a real, direct and lasting impact is really important to us.
The books were selected because they support the full curriculum taught in Malawian schools: English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Religion, History, Geography, Social Skills and Agriculture.”
A further 500 euros has just been donated from the Rotary Club in Wetter, Germany which will be used for the second consignment and this order will be placed when we have agreed with the teachers exactly what books they need.
You can see some short videos of the books arriving on our Instagram account.
May 2020
We’re thrilled that the library and admin block has now been completed at Mikuyu Senior School. There is a room large enough for the teachers to prepare lessons, an office for the headmaster and deputy head, a library and a storage room.
We worked with community leaders, teachers, parents and pupils to decide what was most important for the Senior School. This is such an important aspect of our work.
We work closely with local communities to ensure that every penny we spend will really make a difference.
Built in partnership
This project was completed in partnership: students at Frensham Heights School raised most of the money for the build, but the quarry stones, bricks and sand for concrete were provided by the local community in Mikuyu.
Our partnership approach means that every voice is heard and we look at things from different viewpoints. This helps to keep things on track.
The improved environment for the staff and pupils has already had an impact. The school has one new teacher and 25 new pupils, an increase of almost a third in less than a year!
What’s next
Books
The new library is a great space but although there are a few text books for some subjects, there are nowhere near enough.
We’re already working on this, and in May we received a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Farnham for a new consignment of books.
We’re talking to the teachers to understand exactly what books they need, and we hope to get the next consignment on the way soon.
Solar Panels
We’ve already seen the impact the solar panels have made at the All Saints girls hostel, so we know they will bring similar benefits to both teachers and students in Mikuyu.
An electricity supply will also connect the school to the wider world, with all the learning opportunities that internet access brings.
Our goal is to raise £1,900 for solar panels. Learn more about this project, or donate now!
A message from Maxwell
The headmaster at Mikuyu says:
“We are proud of the new library and admin block. It really has made a great difference, even in the community. We appreciate it so much.”