Meru, Kenya

The difference fundraising makes to Limbene
I was asked by a friend what difference the fundraising since 2008 had made to the pupils at Limbene in terms of their achievement. I felt I gave a very inadequate response as it was a direct question I had never asked. So - I asked Mercy and below is the reply she took time to write on Christmas Eve. It has no statistics nor career destinations but I feel it gives an idea of the difference made through your support over the years . I am immensely grateful to you as my boss will tell you I couldn’t get Limbene out of my mind after my first visit as the disparity between what we take for granted in educational resources here and Limbene was huge.

‘Hi Sheila - to explain about the great change in Limbine I might miss the right words, because there is much positive impact from each project initiated by you. To begin with the classrooms: from the old tainted iron sheets to new stone built ones, the warmness, more spacious and very conducive. Outrightly this made the kids happy and ready to learn , the water basins improving hygiene and easy cleaning despite the old fashion they were a accustomed to carrying jericans The books and new modern lockers, for an individual, no more congesting in one desk which was being shared by 4 pupils per desk, and now the digital world of literacy, waoh, this has brought great impact. They used to hear of cyber cafes, but now they have the gadgets right in their school where they can operate them on their own. This has left a legacy in Limbine and will help moulding many generations for the future. Many thanks to you Sheila and the generous supporters. God bless the work of your hands.’

This photo, sent by Silas, brought home to me the difficult choices faced by parents in the Meru region after years of drought. The mother is paying her son’s secondary school fees with her goat, for the students to eat, rather than her family consuming it. She has had to choose her son’s education over her family having meat.
Since 2012 Silas has completely, honestly and altruistically been my conduit for funds sent to Limbene PS which has now reached the heights of offering computing skills to pupils.
Silas was a Pastor and a Guidance teacher at Meru school in 2012 but is now Principal of Kiriatha mixed secondary.

Visiting Limbene for the 2nd time I was very distressed that I had barely improved the school’s lot and in a moment of illumination Silas was the individual I asked to manage the funds for Limbene. In spite of being the busiest and happiest man - radiant with his faith- I know he took on that responsibility wholeheartedly. He has never asked for anything for his school in spite of my persistence. Yet it only has one toilet for hundreds of girls and no dining hall so students sit outside under trees for lunch.

Our link with St Stephens via the Rev Elijah continues and funds sent for Christmas were used to give maize, flour, fat , sugar etc and a Christmas gift for the children in the most needy care families. There has been insufficient funding for the kindergarten to re open because of droughts and famine but we hope things will improve.
Meantime there will be another opportunity to support Meru at the Cream tea where I have been asked to have a stall. There will be a wide range of antique and new Jewellery; original paintings by professional and amateur artist; knitting and craftwork as well as a selection of items from Kenya sent by Elijah. A golden opportunity to buy unique gifts at a reasonable price.

Thank you for your ongoing support with the Meru plate at coffee time and for your contributions to my Meru raffle before Christmas and the monthly mid-month toiletries collection for vulnerable women and families. Delighted if you leave something by the hedge outside 47 Camphill Rd mid-month. This is now the start of the third year of collecting.
Easter blessings and joy to you all.

Sheila

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