Sports in India in 2012

As January runs away with us the project is back into the full swing of things in Kerala, India. Recent support for this project, particularly that from UK based food and drinks company Marston Foods, has helped us to further develop the sports program with a focus on providing sports shoes and clothing for children who could not afford them. Previously many of the children would need to play sports bare foot leading to injury, broken nails. Cuts and bruises were common, the new shoes help to prevent injury and enhance the performance of the children providing more enjoyment. The sports clothing means the children do not have to play in their uniforms making them sweaty and dirty, the sports clothes also bring a sense of team spirit as they have unified colours and numbers.

India project manager Ridhi Patel explains:

The donation money has been used for purchasing items that will be beneficial to the school and the children in the long term. The sports equipment is essential so the children have the right kit to play with. The sports coach is also important for the school to provide some structure to sports lessons. In the long term we hope to help the students become more active and confident, practise sports and participate in competitions, all of which is important for their development and growth. There are also a lot of talented children who need the right guidance and given the equipment they could grow up to be successful sportsmen/women.’

Funds also enabled us to construct a fence around the sports field. The area in the corner of the sports field had been used to dispose of rubbish bringing a dangerous and unhygienic situation for children playing in the field. Often the ball would roll into the area where rubbish was dumped meaning that the children would be exposed to it. Fencing off the area helps to contain the game on the field and separate the children from this danger.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project.

First ever Standard 8 at Olives Rehabilitation Centre

Thanks to your amazing support for our project in Kenya you have helped us to achieve an important and long held goal at the Olives Rehabilitation Centre. Recent donations have been used to build movable classrooms on the ORC church property, these classes will be used for junior Kindergarten classes making way at the main school for the first ever Standard 8 Class!

GVI Kenya Country Director Tessa Doogue explains:

‘The impact of this donation cannot be overstated. Since it’s inception in 2001, Olive Rehabilitation Centre’s goal has been to somehow hold on to their students to the end of standard 8. Standard 8 is a significant year because at the completion of the year, students are eligible to sit their Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KPCE). Without this basic qualification, it is extremely difficult to enter into the most basic paid work roles after school (for instance unskilled labour, house cleaning or the hospitality/tourism industry). Up until now, at the end of standard 7 students had to leave ORC due to a lack of space to hold another classroom. For the first time in ORC history, they will now have a full class of 20 students sitting (and hopefully obtaining) this qualification. In the words of Principal Michael Nyundo, this is “truly a dream realised”. Upon obtaining their KPCE, it will also set these students up as ideal candidates for high school sponsorship, something which has been extremely difficult to achieve without their KPCE qualification’

This really is an incredible step for GVI and our partners, thank you to everyone who has supported this project to make this possible.

Anniversary celebrations in Peru

At the end of 2011we celebrated the anniversaries of our schools in the Phoenix project in Peru in both communities Maldonado and Triunfo. We have been working in the schools since 2006.  It’s such a treat to be able to see the parents, teachers, volunteers, and kids all come together in celebration of the great work these schools are doing.

Maldonado was practically bouncing on its foundations from all of the dancing the kids were doing…not to mention the free for all scramble when candy came showering down on them from teachers and volunteers alike!  Triunfo was covered wall to wall in streamers, balloons, and glittery posters!  The kids from Triunfo put on a choreographed traditional dance that was the absolute highlight of the party.

Congratulations to everyone at both schools and everyone who has supported us along the way to make this possible.

Teacher’s wages in Kenya

In Kenya, GVI Charitable Trust projects support several initiatives including alternative livelihoods for ex-poachers, food security projects and of course education.

Our educational projects in Mombasa have a very focussed goal in working towards long term sustainability. Donations to the GVI Charitable Trust help us to establish important initiatives which in the long run will help our local partners become sustainable and secure complete education for all future generations of their children.

Areas supported by the GVI Charitable Trust include feeding programs, educational materials, construction, income generation initiatives, scholarships and teachers wages.

Previously the local teachers had shown regular attendance and commitment at the schools without regular pay however with pressing needs to support their families regular pay is of course essential. In line with securing teachers wages we have also been able to fund teacher training courses helping the teachers to develop their skills to meet the demands of the children as they progress to higher levels of education.

Whilst GVI volunteers work in the schools and provide much needed assistance and tuition in the classes it is critical for our long term goals that local teachers play their role.

Recent GVI project manager Louise Elard explains: ‘Having local teachers at the schools is invaluable to the successful running of the schools. It provides stability and continuity for the children, something that is not as easy to achieve with the arrivals and departures of volunteers. ‘

GVI Charitable Trust donations really do make a huge difference in Kenya and all of our project locations. 2011 has been a great year for us thanks to your amazing support and we look forward to what 2012 may bring.

Happy new year from all of us at GVI.

Happy Christmas from the GVI Charitable Trust

Thanks to your hard work and generous support 2011 has been a record year for the GVI Charitable Trust when most organisations have been facing real challenges.

Many of you who believe in our work have given generously and we are committed to sending news from the field to show how you have made an impact on our programs.

Many other have worked hard to fundraise for us, from gruelling fundraising challenges in our project locations, running, hiking and cycling events, garden parties and skydives. We can’t thank you enough for efforts, you’re all superstars!

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead.

Cheers!