Maisha Bora Community library
MBF first project was to build and equip a library and learning resource centre in Ikutha to support the schools in the district. Having established links with local communities and schools in the region, MBF members identified the need for something like the library as a priority as this would allow children to complete their education, and provide a sustainable resource for future generations. The proposal was put to the board of trustees and was
approved as a project.
It is hard for us in the UK to imagine schools that do not even have the simplest of resources such as pens, paper or text books. Many children in the region have never read a book. We had already visited schools within the area distributing pens and pencils but this project was going to be on a different scale.
A large part of the funding for the project came from students at West Nottinghamshire College who raised £880. MBF member Boniface Ndili donated a room at his complex to be used for the library. MBF approved funds for alterations to the building, and the Library is now completed and fully equipped with electricity, shelving and computers. Books have also been collected in the UK to be shipped out and a photocopier bought. Text books linked to the school curriculum will be bought in Kenya by MBF.
MBF Chairman Bob Thompson and his family visiting a local school to distribute pens to the children.
Container Project
MBF have been supported by CEVA Logistics and Alfreton based MJS logistics in sending a container filled with clothes and equipment to support the foundations work in Kenya. CEVA have agreed to provide a container and transport it all the way to Ikutha in Southern Kenya. MBF representatives Bon and Kim went to meet with the managers of CEVA in Tamworth to discuss the logistics of the operation. They were extremely helpful and agreed to collect the goods from up to three locations in Derbyshire and transport it to Mombasa by ship and then on to Ikutha by lorry, an eight hour drive away.
The focus of the appeal was for educational and children’s books, computers, a photocopier, paper and
resources for the community library project. Sewing machines, garden and carpentry tools were our next target as these could be hired out at a small charge to go towards funding the library while giving the opportunity for the community to earn a living. Bedding, children’s clothes and shoes have also been collected to be given out amongst the community around Ikutha.
MBF had also looked at supplying 5,000 Mosquito nets and have managed to get them transported direct to Ikutha.
We then needed a collection point to store the donated items until we had enough to fill the container. Local haulage company, MJS Logistics have been extremely helpful in offering warehouse space for storage. MBF would like to say a big thank you to MJS Logistics for their support.
Support for the project has been fantastic with items being received from a wide range of individuals, organisations and businesses including Derbyshire County Council, local churches, WI groups, Rotary Clubs and shops.
The emphasis of the project was that things that may be gathering dust on shelves, in wardrobes or rusting in sheds can transform someone’s life in another part of the world. Some children in the area of Ikutha will be receiving their first pair of shoes or reading their first book thanks to the generosity of the people who have donated things for the container.
WI help build community library
Loscoe Women’s Institute have offered their support to MBF projects. After a presentation given to the group, members have collected tools, clothes, shoes and bedding for the container project and raised £190 pounds. MBF member Andy Goodall attended their February meeting to receive the check from President Janet Gadsby and Ann Willis. He thanked the group for their support, time and work that had gone into the fundraising.
Chesterfield College car valeting
Chesterfield College students studying Childcare raised £772 through a sponsored walk after MBF member Andy gave a talk to the group as part of their cultural diversity project.
The students were so moved by what they saw and heard that they agreed to do what they could to support the equipping of a library and resource centre for the local schools to use. Representatives from MBF were presented with a cheque at a brilliant presentation evening at a local hotel.
Students from the Foundation Studies department have also agreed to support the project by donating the profits from their Car Valeting business. The students have want to raise enough money to employ someone from the village in Kenya to manage the library: £480 a year.
