18 May 2010

Dear friends and family,

Thank you for giving to Gemsbok's Toilet Project. On 7May we reached our budget total 39,692Rand (approximately $5,234) in many thanks to you. Everyone this side was delighted to hear the news! Funds have been transferred to my account today and toilet construction has started.

Meetings with Bawokuhle Primary School Governing Body are occurring regularly and contain relevant and organized agendas. I am observing real improvements in their administrative practices and decision making, especially in planning budgets and managing project tasks. Project leaders are requesting my help less and less, and instead confidently taking the lead in negotiating and finalizing plans themselves. The women involved in the project are committed to their tasks and nicely overcoming any gender barriers they are faced. Our anticipated project completion is school closing, June 9 and with signed contracts we are hoping commitments are honored.


I will be providing regular updates and pictures concerning the project. The first picture is of community workers who are laying the bricks. The second and third photos are of our contractor (left)and School Governing Body member, secretary and project leader, Joyce(right).

Once again, the community of Gemsbokspruit thanks you. Our school community is overjoyed with thanks. They feel very blessed to have this opportunity to improve the learning atmosphere for their learners and their own skills in project management.

Sincerely,
Haley McDonough

mcd.haley@gmail.com
haleypcv.blogspot.com
--U.S. Peace Corps 2008-2010