We took the accompanying photograph inside Gilbert's classroom, showing Gilbert, Shirley, and part of Gilbert's afternoon class. You can see that the classroom is quite spare. No electricity, so no electric lighting. No projectors, computers, or other devices requiring electrical power. No individual books for pupils. The school has only a meager library of books. The children do learn to read, write and perform simple arithmetic, but so much is missing, even at the basic needs level.
Are any of you able to donate solar panels and battery storage for the school? Also, if we plastered the walls, added bulletin boards and additional chalk boards, the classroom could be made much more vital and spirited. Who among you can supply books for the school? Remember that shipping and payment of duties are the major expenses, not the books themselves. Picnic tables are used in lieu of student desks in the classroom, mainly for the older children. There is no desk for the teacher and no school desks for the children. The teacher stands and the younger children sit on the floor.
If we could just electrify the school with solar panels and battery storage, we could then power a computer and a digital projector, greatly enriching the school offerings. Once we are able to connect to the internet, its resources can be used to enhance the educational experience. All we need is a knowledgeable and generous donor to help us. If we can do this for one school, why not many?
If you are ready to donate funds for the schoolhouse, or to enrich the classroom experience, make out your check to
Take Heart International and send it to
Take Heart International
4913 Puma Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(Ask for either Shirley or Bob Griffin)
Boniface note to follow
ReplyDeleteMuch has been happening this year, even if we haven't yet installed the solar panels. We have sponsored our teacher Gilbert to take university extension classes so that he can upgrade his skills.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, Boniface, the boy with two club feet, has had his feet surgically repaired and can now walk normally, unaided by crutches! He has fancy new shoes to protect his precious feet. His father writes, "I may not know the words I can use to thank you, but on behalf of my family I thank you most sincerely. May God bless you all."
Bonioface writes, "I am now in grade 8. I am trying my level best to work very hard and I will not disappoint you. When I finish school, I want to be a doctor, so that I will be in a better position to help other people as I have been helped by you. I am able to walk without crutches. May God bless you."