The lives of vulnerable families in Kenya could be significantly improved after a major fundraising campaign was launched by staff from a school in Wem.
Thomas Adams School has for a number of years being raising money for Miriu School in Kenya, but is now looking to expand its efforts to benefit the wider community.
The Kenyan school now has 34,000 litre tanks for fresh water, and Thomas Adams has also provided goats and chickens and secured about two acres of good farm land so the students can grow their own crops.
But in July, five members of staff from Thomas Adams and three pupils will visit Miriu with a significantly different aim than before.
Dave Queen, a teacher at Thomas Adams, said: “The situation has changed, with many of the teachers we have worked closely with having been transferred to other schools, so we now feel the benefits that we were able to give to the school can be replicated in the surrounding community where so many of our students live in such limited and challenging conditions.”
He said they have therefore set themselves some challenging targets to raise funds for a series of ventures.
The first project is for the renovation of three houses for three large destitute families.
“We will buy the materials to re-roof their inadequate houses and generally improve their standard of living. Each house will cost us about £150 only,” said Mr Queen.
The second project is to buy and install small water tanks at three local churches for community use after there was an outbreak of cholera in October. Each 4,000 litre tank will cost about £500.
He added the third fundraising project is to buy land for groups of destitute people, mainly women, so they can grow their own crops and achieve a degree of self sufficiency for themselves and their children.
The cost is yet to be determined. He said they are therefore appealing for ideas and help in trying to raise funds.
“Having cake sales, church collections, sponsored whatever’s - anything that will allow us to take the necessary money so that we can make these projects realities.”
Anyone who can help is asked to contact the school on 01939 237000.
By James Pugh
