Kai's Report
It was twenty years ago that we launched the school project as a registered charity and ever since I have been to Haipi every year to oversee the project. As in previous years, I came back with some very encouraging news and some not so encouraging.
In terms of the progress of the buildings, it probably was the least productive visit I have had so far. We sent out £15,000 just before I left in the hope that we would be able to set up the tubular truss structure for the roof of the assembly hall and the library. This was what the Engineer, the work force and I agreed last year should be our priority. Instead the money had to be used for paying their debt for the costs of materials that they took on credit for plastering the walls and ceilings of the science laboratory rooms on the ground floor plus the labour charges! Last year, as we had to pay back our loan £3300 of the previous year, we were unable to send any money between April and December; hence the plastering to keep labourers’ occupied.
However, I was quite pleased with our achievements concerning the reorganisation of the school administration, including the appointment of a new Principal and some key teachers. As a result there is now harmony and active cooperation amongst the teachers, which had been lacking in the previous years. This I hope will enable the teachers and staff to contribute their maximum to the school community.
I am pleased to report that Haipi Baptist church contributed Rs.200000.00 again to the Emmanuel School funds - the income from tuition fees is not adequate to pay the teachers’ salaries. And it enabled me to prepare the school budget for 2008! Further, over 80 members of the church gave their free labour for a whole day to improve the road between the school and the girls’ hostel. This sense of ownership is vital if the school is to continue and progress in the coming years.
You will be pleased to know that the two sponsored children kidnapped by the insurgents last year are safe and well – one was released and the other escaped and went to live with his relations elsewhere. Once again, to those of you who sponsor children, I would like to convey grateful thanks from their parents and guardians who are unable to express themselves in English. Also, thank you to all our supporters for your continued interest and financial support.
Kai Kipgen