Mvumi School Trust

Time flies by here with so many things happening and plans taking shape. One guaranteed given though is the weather. Occasional dark clouds promise rain but never quite deliver. It's dry and dusty now, so sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful. We are 40 kilometres from anywhere and animal appreciation can be extended - baboons are in town and even a jackal, which can mean a prowling lion...

We need to encourage a positive attitude to the environment as there is such a loss of trees and extensive soil erosion. I recently found a young boy trying to hack off a large branch from a healthy tree in my garden for firewood. We're exploring a possible tree-planting project with The International Tree Foundation charity and the nearby Amani Centre - tremendous potential for school and community.

Our school roll is very healthy with over 450 students. It's a delight to have the girls in the new Harry Rose House now in good numbers and relationships between senior school boys and girls mature and sensible. Thanks to a kind donor we have a new satellite TV, which has markedly enhanced the seniors' current affairs knowledge.

Our ever-helpful Sponsorship Scheme has been hampered by the absence of Julia Bengough, Sponsorship Co-ordinator, on sick leave but meanwhile ex-student Mussa is organising things. The Scheme is a life-line for many students, whose families have been feeling the pinch in a tough year for crops and with rising food and energy costs. In addition the Government has awarded a 20% pay rise, backdated six months, for teachers - a revised budget keeps us on our toes! We are so very grateful to all our sponsors.