Rotary member Sally Searle has led a project to raise funds and transform the Little Faces School in Kenya.
On holiday in Mombasa in 2011 she met Mary Atieno, the Head of Little Faces, in one of the most underprivileged areas in Kenya.
After seeing the school facilities and environment, Sally knew she had to do something to help.
She said: “The school was a rusty tin shack, just 35 children and one teacher.
Little Faces School, Kenya.
“Children were sitting on the mud floor trying to write on scraps of paper. There were no toilet facilities or running water.
Sally knew she had to help. She said: “I remember thinking these children have nothing to help their learning, even if I could provide them with stationery that would make a difference.”
9 years later Sally along with other Rotary members have provided these children with a lot more than that.
I remember thinking these children have nothing to help their learning, even if I could provide them with stationery that would make a difference.”
Sally set up the Little Faces charity to improve the facilities at the school, and for the past 3 years have been planning and ultimately building the new Primary School with the support of the Global Grant.
Today the school has been completely transformed. There is a new stone building with 4 classrooms and new toilets specially for the kindergarten age children, and they now have hand washing facilities. They have access to desks, stationery, books, 7 computers and a printer. The children are fed twice a day.
Sally set up the Little Faces charity to improve the facilities at the school.
150 children have also been sponsored to help them fund their education and any equipment needed.
The school gives kids an education in English, giving them a chance to escape the 85% local unemployment rate. The alternative to Little Faces is a state school class of 100 children, or often life on the streets and going hungry.
The work achieved has transformed the lives of children and families in the area, but more can still be done.
Thank you Rotary for everything you have done, and everything you continue to do.”
The Little Faces Charity is now just £40,000 away from their £200,000 target to help create a health centre for the community and additional classrooms on the 3rd floor of the building.
It is clear this project is important to many Rotary members who have helped over the years. Sally said: “This is a really good Rotary project to be proud of.”
“Thank you Rotary for everything you have done, and everything you continue to do.”
For more about the Little Faces School and the project and ways to donate visit their website.
