The school is doing well. Maintenance issues such as the fence that needs a permanent solution, black roofs that needed to be painted white, shelving for the kitchen, and a broken water tap outside the toilets were discussed. The kitchen counter, water tap, and roof painting have been tended to.
The camp around the school is thriving. More houses (some of which are part of the 18 funded by Corner of Hope) have been constructed. Since the residents need to travel long distances or pay a lot for water, it might be worthwhile to consider setting up a borehole. Costs will be investigated.
The school registration has been held up by the camp officials, who have been delaying signing the title deed transfer document. Once transferred, the land can be surveyed and then registered to the trust that will hold the land on behalf of the community. The lawyer has agreed to go to the camp in person and get the transfer document signed if there is further delay.
There was a meeting with Mentors to discuss roles and responsibilities to enable the school to function more independently. Access to Internet and a laptop, better weekly reports, regular staff meetings, planning and obtaining uniforms, sweaters and shoes, etc. were all on the agenda as well. Teachers will receive small salary increases in the new academic year.
The search for land for a primary school is still in progress. The process of who will buy the land and how it will be registered in relation to Kenya laws has to be researched.The second foundation module of the elementary course started with a group of 18 students. The format of the module, study material (including printing and lamination of charts), stationery, and allowances to students were discussed.
The Montessori elementary materials from Nienhuis were on the seas and expected to arrive in Mombasa port towards the end of August.
There was a surprise gathering of all past and present CoH trainees. They had come together to express their gratitude for the support that they have received through Lynne, CoH, AMI, and the donors.
A group of 8 to 10 Tanzanians are expected to also join the Elementary course, scheduled to start in November 2014. A self-study module will be prepared for them to catch up on what was covered during the first and second foundation modules that they missed.
Montessori Training Association of Kenya (MTAK) have drafted the Montessori curriculum for government recognition, and Sister Veronica had a meeting with the Bishop Maurice Makumba, who has agreed to support he application. The curriculum has to be reviewed before it is ready to submit.
A visit to and meeting with the elders of the Njoro camp and farmlands showed that there is an urgent need for a school. There are over 200 families with close to 50 children under the age of 5 who do not go to school. The government has allotted 10 acres of land nearby for schools, and the regional commissioner indicated that the government would be happy to have CoH to start a school.