Time is ticking

Hello! Sorry we haven’t updated in a while, we have had a few internet-free weeks but we are back and we have lots to report.

Firstly, the photocopier arrived and Elphas taught some members of staff how to use it which was pretty exciting! The whole school gathered to admire it and the school was able to print each student’s report card to take home before the end of term. Elphas and Mildred (our Headmistress) got on really well so we are confident that a brilliant working relationship has been established.

Proud Secretary with the photocopier

Elphas was keen for many photos of the new photocopier

Secondly, all the furniture for the library was built and delivered. That means that soon Kakunga Girls’ will have a fully functioning library! The girls and staff can barely believe it! We are working on setting up a good system for checking books out and for distributing class books. It’s tricky because the ratios of textbooks to students are really low and some years will have double streams, so we are trying to work out a way to make the books as widely accessible as possible.

Construction of the 10 shelves

When we arrived the books were all being kept in a tiny dusty room. Many were missing covers and some were even missing chunks from rats! We hope that moving the books to the library will mean they last longer, and this week we have been busy covering the 1,100 books in plastic sheet to protect them. By now we are very well acquainted with all brands of plastic, sellotape and staples that can be found within a 25km radius of Kakunga. We’re getting a little concerned about how often we tell people we meet about the super strong plastic sheet we found – and we still have 700 books to go..! Its really satisfying seeing all the shiny covered books though, and the days are nicely broken up by trips to Kakamega to collect more plastic sheet.

Bea and some books

Emily squished in a matatu (public minivan) with 20m of plastic sheet

We thought getting into a matatu with plastic sheet was impressive until this lady succeeded with a chicken.

Writing the 1,100 reference stickers for the books

On Saturday we spent the day learning how to be “Kenyan women” at home. Mama and her daughter-in-law Susan showed us how to wash our clothes, and we cooked ugali and cabbage for lunch. Even washing up can be fun when its in the sun! It was really nice having to time to get to know Susan better. By the evening we were exhausted and retired to being “muzungus” again, with pot noodles and Cadburys for dinner.

Emily the chef

Washing clothes (finally…)

That’s all for now!

Until next time,

Bea & Emily x