Things are coming together...

I just booked my flights, eeeek! Quite scared but also very excited. Over the last few weeks quite a few other things have been ticked off my ever-increasing 'to do' list; passport renewal sent off, application for funding from a trust I found submitted, TESOL course applied for. I've even started listening to a Swahili learning tape (yup, an actual cassette tape!!) that I borrowed from the library. I've also got some fundraising events coming up - watch this space for more about that. And I've set up a Just Giving page (see the widget on the top left of the blog) which means people can give donations online. These will go to the Seedsowing Network who can claim the gift aid on them, then they will give me the money for my expenses. If I do raise any more than I need, I will of course give that to the charity.

Anyway, I will write more soon - bed is calling!

More information...

This is taken from a leaflet I did for my church, it just explains where I am going and what I am doing a bit further!

I am planning to work at a pre-school in Kenya for 6 months to assist with a period of expansion, to help develop the curriculum and to train the teachers in more child-centred approaches to teaching and learning.

The school is called Mahali pa Watoto which is Swahili for a ‘place for the children’.

The Seedsowing Network raises funds, mainly in the UK to run a pre-school for 70 deprived children. The school opened its doors in April 2001 and operates close to a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya.

The children attending the school are from the slum area and are typically aged 4 to 6. They would also be without food on a regular basis.

The school operates five days a week and teaches reading, writing and arithmetic with only basic facilities and equipment. Our hope for these children is to equip them for state school within two years of starting. Primary education is free in Kenya (in theory) so the transition can be easily managed and on graduation to school we also assist with uniform and basics.

The project aims to provide comfort, protection, guidance, a foundation of Christian principles, and basic training in reading, writing and arithmetic for destitute children.

The rate of progress that comes from food, health and loving nurture is truly astonishing.

In 2012, the school extended and could now accommodate up to 140 children, which will require consistency in teaching methods as we grow. I am hoping to build on the great work already being done and, using the Kenyan syllabus and my skills, to equip the teachers to cope with the expansion.

See the web site for further information. www.seedsowing.co.uk  or talk to me!

Thanks for your support,

Sarah

Hello!

Well, I seem to have made a blog! I decided to do this so that I can record my adventures in Kenya as I travel there later this year to live and work in Nairobi for six months. Before I go I plan to use the blog to publicise my trip and my fundraising activities. Anyway, I'll write more soon!