During the cold winter weather a need was identified in the village - that a number of elderly citizens did not have enough resources to keep warm. As a result Open Hands Education supplied new cozy blankets for each of these elderly people. The blankets and warmth were much appreciated. However, next time this service is offered, we have learned that we will have to have considerable more donations to make sure that all of the needy elders who want blankets can have them. The need is greater than we at first realized.
This is the fifth year since the Free School was opened in 2018, and interest in children attending the school continues to grow in the village. Not only are more families interested in education and in sending their children to school, but rising poverty due to drought - as well as lost employment and lost lives after the Covid-19 pandemic - has caused a surge in enrollment as parents can no longer afford to pay school fees at other schools. There are now approximately 70 to 75 students attending the free school. The teacher continues to make the school a safe and enjoyable place for students to come to, and the children are very hard working and studious. They truly appreciate the opportunity to study, and are grateful to receive new school supplies on a regular basis. The children's self-confidence and self-esteem very obviously improves once they start attending school. Open Hands Education Trust is now considering how we might improve the school setting, so that the children are less affected by cold and heat during the school year. New renovations and weather-proofing at the school are needed and this is a goal that we will work on over the next year.
A new group or "batch" of women begins the 6 month sewing and tailoring program twice per year, and this year was no exception. Over 200 women have now completed the training, and are using their new skills in different ways - some are able to find employment in the local larger town, while others marry and move to different villages, where they can offer both sewing and sewing teacher services in their new village, and yet others can do piece-work sewing at home to contribute to family income, or make clothing for family and local villagers. It is wonderful to see the women grown in self-esteem and confidence as they learn a skill, while at the same time working closely together with other women who have similar goals of improving their lot in life as well as that of their family.
This year at Christmas celebrations in December the children each received the gift of a warm wool sweater and warm pants. Once again, a celebration was held at the school, with the children also receiving new study materials and sweet treats. They again made a sign to thank Open Hands Education donors for helping them and supporting them to go to school and receive an education.