January : Torrential rains washed away bridges and roads and caused damage to houses.
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In the weeks following the flooding there was some rain and people were confident enough to plant their maize crops. These crops grew and folk were encouraged.
March : Hopes were high that good soaking rains were to follow but sadly no more rain fell. The crops dried out and the maize did not form cobs at all. This means severe hunger later in the year when present stocks run out.
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April : The Latrine Project
This Project is complete apart from the installation of the SIM tanks (still in storage) and the water supply for hand washing. The disabled cubicles have been modified to comply with the plans supplied by the Kitchen Table Charities Trust which supplied the funding for this project and everyone is pleased with the outcome.
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WATER : The worrying shortage of water has prompted thoughts of installing a borehole and hand pump at the school. This has been investigated and a quotation for the work has been received. I have submitted an application to Kitchen Table Charities Trust for funding and am awaiting approval.
June : In June this year I took my family members, who had not seen where we went to school, for a short visit to Kongwa. As we turned off the main Dodoma road onto the red sand road towards Kongwa there was evidence of the severe drought in the area. The maize crop has failed and we are on standby to provide maize to the school children towards the end of the year.
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We saw villagers dragging homemade trolleys with containers of water on them. How far had they walked for that water? |  |
The children were waiting for us as we arrived at the school – what a welcome considering it was half term and they had all come in specially to greet us!
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A meeting was arranged with the engineer who will oversee the work on the proposed borehole. The quotation was updated and discussions followed regarding the way forward with the plans. We await the decision from the Trust in England to whom I have applied for a Grant to help with the cost of the borehole.
Later in the morning a great programme of dancing was held. Singing and performances by the children and the drummers from the village whilst we sat under a rather smart red canopy in the shade.
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This was followed by lunch for everyone – guests and children – funded by the family and prepared by the teachers in huge pots over a fire. The family helped to serve the children who queued patiently waving their plates.
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They then found a shady spot and joined with friends to eat their lunch.
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August:
To learn about the success of the Borehole Project and for more information please click on this link “Borehole Project”
September: SCHOOL TRIP TO MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK. The annual school trip this year took place on 11th and 12th of September. 84 children and 4 teachers travelled to Mikumi to view the animals of their country. It’s a five-hour drive in buses so an overnight stay is essential. Thanks to all who sponsored a child on this trip or donated to the Project to make it possible for these children to go on the trip of a lifetime.
Some photos of the School Trip are now available – not of clear quality but they give a good idea of the fun the children had.
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November:
The drought is taking its toll and the people of Kongwa are reduced to one meal a day! This is particularly tough on the children! One sack of maize provides 10 meals for 45 children. We bought enough for the 560 children to have school lunches until the end of this term on 6th December.
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Please click this link to go directly to 2020