The Rotary year ended on June 30th and once again it has been a busy year for Alans Africa. During the year we have funded the following projects:
- Building 3 classrooms, an office, staff room and store to create a new school in Kono Town, named Westminster Community Secondary School, in recognition of all the support I have received from Westminster Group PLC over the last 12 years.
- Building a toilet block and installing a basic water harvesting system complete with handwash station at the school, improving the sanitation and hygiene for the pupils.
- Total renovation of a derelict well, including a hand pump to replace the bucket and rope system, at Westminster Community Secondary School which benefits 300 people.
- Setting up a community garden project at Westminster Community Secondary School.
- The provision of 3 laptops and 30 desk and bench sets at Christian Hope School, Kissy.
- The complete renovation of the nursery classroom at Christian Hope School, Kissy.
- The provision of 50 “Yorkits”. Re-useable feminine sanitary kits. Each kit has 8 pads, 2 pad pockets, a waterproof bag for soiled items, 2 pairs of knickers, a zip lock polythene bag (used as a “washing machine” in areas with poor access to water), and instructions. All packed into a discreet fabric drawstring bag. Each kit costs £10. A kit lasts 3 years which equates to 200 days of education they don’t miss because of menstruation.
- The provision of hundreds of items of sports kit for distribution in several communities.
- Extending my “Sierra LeOANS” micro credit scheme for several community members.
- Paying medical costs for several individuals, unable to pay for essential treatment.
- Funding several people’s higher education costs & paying school fees for several kids.
- Supporting Momoh & Emma, both orphans, with a monthly allowance.
During this Rotary year £25,100+ has been raised for projects in Sierra Leone. The project’s success is due to a fantastic network of supporters across the UK & beyond. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everybody that has contributed financially or with donations of items or in the provision of support and/or services of any kind.
When I first visited Sierra Leone in November 2005, for a “one off life experience” I never imagined that I would visit the country 14 times and still be involved 19 years on.
The plan going forward, is to build the fourth classroom at the Westminster Community Secondary School and the total cost, at today’s exchange rate is £5,200.
We hope to complete this classroom ready for the start of the new term in September. I currently have £2,200 available for the project and in order to boost the funds, I am undertaking a 15 mile sponsored walk on July 26th, the day before my 71st birthday !!
If you would like to donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alansafricakono
EVERY £ raised will go directly to the project and help “Make A Real Difference”
