Season’s greetings to all our supporters
News from Dabaso
Our librarian Josephine has moved with her young family to Nairobi where her husband works. We were delighted to appoint Fred Kittu as our new librarian with the unanimous support of the Library Management Team. Fred has covered for Josephine in the past and has got a good knowledge of our work and knows the school well. Our former IT trainer in Dabaso, Cornelius Kahindi, was at the same time confirmed as the Assistant Librarian / IT tutor which is our new staffing structure – as it brings ICT skills into the team. Fred and Cornelius make a creative pair and have an excellent working relationship.
We were amused to see that French skipping is the latest craze in the school and making aeroplances.
News from Kakuyuni
News from Canon Mweri
We loved the new slogans over each classroom door.
Library Use
In all the libraries there were queues of children to borrow books and children working and studying outside school times and on Saturdays.
The most popular books are the Kenyan books, books in Swahili and the children’s picture books from the UK. So it is essential that we are clear about what we ship and ensure that we maintain and develop the budget to buy books locally. We are currently working on a funding application to pay for revision guides for the bursary students.
The computer training is going well and we were moved to observe an adult having his very first session with a computer and keyboard –so exciting for him and us. A Kenyan NGO, DOT Kenya, is using both of the libraries as a base for their training programmes for young adults in the area.
Developments
One of the biggest changes that we planned and discussed on the trip is to give each library management committee more delegated responsibility. From January we want them to have an annual budget to cover running expenses and minor repairs. They are very keen on this idea and it will help to develop an increased sense of accountability. From January 2013, we will also be regularising staff pay to use the Kenyan PAYE systems.
Footballs
Our next newsletter will update you on the bursary students and give you an insight into their lives.
Don’t forget the Blues evening on 16 March 2013… and thanks for your continued support and funding. Donations, either specifically targeted or for our general budget, are needed and gratefully received.
Best wishes for a happy 2013