18/05: MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER
Category: News Letter
Posted by: anne
Welcome to our latest newsletter. Janet, Mary and I returned from 3 hectic weeks in Kenya at the end of March, we had many meetings and greetings with those involved concerning the orphans, widows and projects supported by our charity. It was also a good opportunity to see how the charity’s funding is being used.
It was wonderful to see all the children again; they have so much love to give and welcomed us with respect. Austine our blind orphan is doing very well at school, he is top of his class, with wonderful results. We also have several children at boarding school doing well. One orphan we supported is now at University, and one of our orphans has just completed an apprenticeship in panel beating and mechanics. He is now setting up his own business.
The children often get ill due to varying reasons, but we try to ensure that they get enough food to eat and are taken to hospital and provided with medication if needed.(especially our HIV children).
It was my birthday while we were there and they celebrated it by singing and dancing for us. I was also presented with a wonderful African dress. I felt so humbled that they wanted to do that for me when they have so little themselves. Mary made a cake for us all, so that we celebrated everyone’s birthday and each child was given a present. It was a truly magical day.
Most of our projects are doing well. We have 16 bee hives now and they have been producing enough honey for our children’s needs, our aim is to increase our hives so that we can supply the local area, and also to export the excess.
We have had a lot of support from Switzerland for our banana plantation, both in fencing the area and purchasing stock. Unfortunately, we have had to destroy all the banana trees as they contracted a virus called BXW, but all is not lost as the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute based in Kissi, Southern Kenya, have agreed to provide us with 500 new virus free suckers, they will also give us expert and technical advice, supporting us for 3 years. We are to become a training centre in the Bumala area growing different varieties of bananas.
The whole of the compound which supports our projects has now been fenced, Kayappa bushes that have been grown in our tree nursery have been planted alongside the fences, this is for security and to stop cows etc wandering onto the land, and destroying the crops.
The transformer for the three phase electricity has just been installed in Bumala, we are now waiting for the supply to be connected to our water borehole pump, which should be by the end of May, then we will have the water flowing to the Tree Nursery, schools and surrounding area, what a wonderful sight that will be. Disease free, fresh, clean water.
We were fortunate to have been donated enough money to erect a safe house for our most needy children, at present we have 2 girls who live with our carer and 5 boys who live at Peter’s house, these unfortunate orphans have no family to take care of them, this safe house will have 6 rooms with 2 beds in each and a room for the house mother who will take care of them.
With all of our projects we are working with the experts in the field, who are advising us on the best ways to proceed. We met the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, The International Organization for Environmental Resources, The Forestry Commission and the World Neighbours Organisation.
Last year while in Bumala we noticed a little girl called Selestine who came to help at the tree nursery every Sunday, so that she could share a meal with the other children, she was very thin and looked so sad.
We managed to get sponsorship for her to go to school, please see our success stories page to see the difference this sponsorship has done for her, such a transformation from no hope to hope.
.
EVENTS: SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2010. – GRAND AUCTION AND BUFFET
Venue:- Decoy Primary School,Deer Park Road Newton Abbot.
Viewing from 5.30pm.
Buffet 6.30pm.
Auction starts 7.30pm. Many quality lots.
Tickets in advance for buffet including soft drink and lucky number £5.
We would be very grateful for any quality items that we could auction.
Entry to Auction is free, but why not come and enjoy a meal, chat and see the work being done in Bumala
Contact no for more details or to purchase tickets 01803-813211, e-mail anne@bumalatrust.co.uk
COASTAL WALK - Babbacombe to Paignton – Date to be arranged.
African Charities together (ACT): We’ve joined four like minded small charities in South Devon in a recycling program. We have two clothing banks; they are situated in B&Q Newton Abbot, and Woodhome Car Park Buckfastleigh. They have the ACT logo on them; please do use these banks for unwanted clothing, and shoes. Our shoe drive recycling collection last autumn raised £300 enough to have 50 pairs of school shoes made for our school children in Bumala.
Several schools in the area very kindly support our charity. Kingskerswell and Decoy Primary School are raising funds for classrooms in two Primary Schools in Bumala, both of these classrooms are nearly finished and children are being taught in them.
Bradley Barton Primary School is supporting an orphan all through his schooling and Christow Primary is raising funds to help another orphan.
“We can’t change everyone’s world but we can change someone’s world “
Contact no’s:-
Janet Weyama 01626 -352773 email janet@bumalatrust.co.uk
Anne Jenkins 01803 - 813211 email anne@bumalatrust.co.uk
Annie & Derek Wills 01803- 401687 email annie@bumalatrust.co.uk
Cheques are being used less these days so we have added a virgin money giving link to our website for anyone who wishes to make a donation this way.
Thank you all for your support. 100% of all donations go to help our charity
It was wonderful to see all the children again; they have so much love to give and welcomed us with respect. Austine our blind orphan is doing very well at school, he is top of his class, with wonderful results. We also have several children at boarding school doing well. One orphan we supported is now at University, and one of our orphans has just completed an apprenticeship in panel beating and mechanics. He is now setting up his own business.
The children often get ill due to varying reasons, but we try to ensure that they get enough food to eat and are taken to hospital and provided with medication if needed.(especially our HIV children).
It was my birthday while we were there and they celebrated it by singing and dancing for us. I was also presented with a wonderful African dress. I felt so humbled that they wanted to do that for me when they have so little themselves. Mary made a cake for us all, so that we celebrated everyone’s birthday and each child was given a present. It was a truly magical day.
Most of our projects are doing well. We have 16 bee hives now and they have been producing enough honey for our children’s needs, our aim is to increase our hives so that we can supply the local area, and also to export the excess.
We have had a lot of support from Switzerland for our banana plantation, both in fencing the area and purchasing stock. Unfortunately, we have had to destroy all the banana trees as they contracted a virus called BXW, but all is not lost as the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute based in Kissi, Southern Kenya, have agreed to provide us with 500 new virus free suckers, they will also give us expert and technical advice, supporting us for 3 years. We are to become a training centre in the Bumala area growing different varieties of bananas.
The whole of the compound which supports our projects has now been fenced, Kayappa bushes that have been grown in our tree nursery have been planted alongside the fences, this is for security and to stop cows etc wandering onto the land, and destroying the crops.
The transformer for the three phase electricity has just been installed in Bumala, we are now waiting for the supply to be connected to our water borehole pump, which should be by the end of May, then we will have the water flowing to the Tree Nursery, schools and surrounding area, what a wonderful sight that will be. Disease free, fresh, clean water.
We were fortunate to have been donated enough money to erect a safe house for our most needy children, at present we have 2 girls who live with our carer and 5 boys who live at Peter’s house, these unfortunate orphans have no family to take care of them, this safe house will have 6 rooms with 2 beds in each and a room for the house mother who will take care of them.
With all of our projects we are working with the experts in the field, who are advising us on the best ways to proceed. We met the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, The International Organization for Environmental Resources, The Forestry Commission and the World Neighbours Organisation.
Last year while in Bumala we noticed a little girl called Selestine who came to help at the tree nursery every Sunday, so that she could share a meal with the other children, she was very thin and looked so sad.
We managed to get sponsorship for her to go to school, please see our success stories page to see the difference this sponsorship has done for her, such a transformation from no hope to hope.
.
EVENTS: SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2010. – GRAND AUCTION AND BUFFET
Venue:- Decoy Primary School,Deer Park Road Newton Abbot.
Viewing from 5.30pm.
Buffet 6.30pm.
Auction starts 7.30pm. Many quality lots.
Tickets in advance for buffet including soft drink and lucky number £5.
We would be very grateful for any quality items that we could auction.
Entry to Auction is free, but why not come and enjoy a meal, chat and see the work being done in Bumala
Contact no for more details or to purchase tickets 01803-813211, e-mail anne@bumalatrust.co.uk
COASTAL WALK - Babbacombe to Paignton – Date to be arranged.
African Charities together (ACT): We’ve joined four like minded small charities in South Devon in a recycling program. We have two clothing banks; they are situated in B&Q Newton Abbot, and Woodhome Car Park Buckfastleigh. They have the ACT logo on them; please do use these banks for unwanted clothing, and shoes. Our shoe drive recycling collection last autumn raised £300 enough to have 50 pairs of school shoes made for our school children in Bumala.
Several schools in the area very kindly support our charity. Kingskerswell and Decoy Primary School are raising funds for classrooms in two Primary Schools in Bumala, both of these classrooms are nearly finished and children are being taught in them.
Bradley Barton Primary School is supporting an orphan all through his schooling and Christow Primary is raising funds to help another orphan.
“We can’t change everyone’s world but we can change someone’s world “
Contact no’s:-
Janet Weyama 01626 -352773 email janet@bumalatrust.co.uk
Anne Jenkins 01803 - 813211 email anne@bumalatrust.co.uk
Annie & Derek Wills 01803- 401687 email annie@bumalatrust.co.uk
Cheques are being used less these days so we have added a virgin money giving link to our website for anyone who wishes to make a donation this way.
Thank you all for your support. 100% of all donations go to help our charity
17/02: Newsletter February 2010
Category: News Letter
Posted by: anne
It’s that exciting time of year again when Janet, myself and a volunteer are off to see our Bumala Trust family in Kenya, we will be away for 3 weeks, returning hopefully to warmer weather here and with much positive news from our time in Bumala
My arm is now recovering from all the injections I have had to have, and I just need to purchase my malarone tablets. (so expensive) but I do not want to catch Malaria. The little blighters do like my skin! even though I cover myself with repellent and herbal remedies,
The temperature in Bumala will be around the 70-80’s and the rainy season is due to start shortly. (must remember to pack my raincoat) No time to sunbathe though as it will be all go from start to finish, but oh so rewarding.
We have nearly finished packing our extra allowance of 13 suitcases, bless you British Airways, wish they could provide us with free fares as well, but we are grateful that they are allowing us extra baggage, we certainly need it, every suitcase is bulging with much needed items such as blankets, bedding, clothes, books, toiletries etc.
Think of us while we get all that through to the check- in desk, we should have very strong arms by the end of it. Thank goodness we are being met at Nairobi airport. The cases then are taken along a very bumpy road to their destination in Bumala, hopefully all in one piece.
After a short but welcome sleep in Nairobi, we get to go on a small plane to Kisumu and then after shopping in Kisumu which is very exhausting and so noisy (the only MOT they have must be to make sure the horn works!)They certainly don’t worry what side of the road they are driving, you just have to get out of the way .we then have a long drive along a very pot holed (looks like the surface of the moon with so many graters) main road to our final destination in Bumala. By then we all look as if we have been through a hedge backwards and need a good nights sleep ( we’ll be lucky) ready to face all the neighbours and people who want to meet us.
Some very positive things have occurred over the last few months, and I can not wait to see all the projects we started, and the new projects that are underway.
I am especially looking forward to seeing the children ,widows and our workers again who do such a fantastic job in caring for our children and widows needs, as well as looking after all the projects.
I have purchased a new video camera so that I can take some footage of the projects and children which can be put onto our web site for you all to see. I am also taking extra memory cards, as last year I managed to take about 600 pictures and wished I had taken another memory card as there is so much I want to see and do.
Project updates
• Widows Home. - The charity built a new home for a very needy widow, her dwelling was collapsing and she was cooking, eating and sleeping in this home with the nine grandchildren she cares for. Her new dwelling has just been completed and she is very happy now.
• The Bee Project. - Last month 9 kilos of honey was harvested from 7 bee hives, which is fantastic. I am looking forward to tasting this honey (unfortunately due to immigration laws we are not allowed to bring any honey back with us) This honey will be given mainly to the children to supplement their food , we aim to purchase more hives while we are their, as there is a great demand for it and we should be able to sell some from the next harvest as well as providing for our families
• Water Project. - This is so exciting Peter Weyama has had the tank installed to store the water and the pump will also be installed when we arrive, we have electricity in the homestead now, which will pump the water to the local area, and Tree nursery.
Once the government put in a transformer at the Bumala Secondary School, which should be within the next few months, this water can then be pumped to the schools in the area and hopefully, beyond.
• Schools. - We will be visiting the local schools in the area particularly Bukhakhala, Masabula Primary schools and Bumala Secondary.
We need to report back on the progress of the classrooms that Decoy and Kingskerswell School are building at the primary schools, these should be near completion. I hope we can also visit some of the boarding schools that a few of our older children go to.
• Banana Plantation. - This is the only project that we are having problems with, a very virulent virus has destroyed a lot of the crops. But we are fortunate that the local ministry of Agriculture are stepping in to help us, they are going to provide us with new disease free varieties and will also support us for 3 years to establish more varieties of fruit and vegetables, at their expense, which is fantastic news for us
• Safe House. - Plans have been drawn up to provide a safe house for our most needy children, these children do not a permanent place, they sleep and eat where they can, we aim to build six two bedroom homes, within the safety of the compound, where they will be cared for by the Bumala Trust family. There are many children in the same predicament , but as our Motto says “We can’t change the world but we can change someone’s world “
• Widows. - We will be meeting the widows to see how they have been progressing. In 2008 the Trust ploughed, tilled, fertilised their land, and provided them with seeds to grow their own food, we also supported them in other projects such as pigs and sewing machines etc. With our guidance and help they were beginning to help themselves and other widows to become more self-sufficient, some of the more able widows’ work in our Tree nursery, giving them an income.
• Goats. - We are also eager to start this project and will be looking into the building of the Goat houses, and purchasing good stock
• The Children - Hopefully we can spend time with the children, although some of our older boys and girls will be away at boarding school while we are there. We have a lot of gifts from their sponsors to give them as well as school equipment, clothes etc. Janet and I will be purchasing new school shoes from the proceeds of the shoe drive we did last year, and we will also endeavour to get as much information as we can about each of our children, their living conditions and school reports, so we can report this back to the sponsors. Our HIV children are given the special care, food and medication they need, by our wonderful carer Esnas.
Two of our boys are living with Peter in his home and three children live with Esnas, these children have no families so once our safe house is built they will be staying there.
I shall be composing a diary of my time in Bumala on my return, I will share this adventure with you on our web site. I expect to shed many tears but also much laughter.
Thank you all for supporting our charity, we are very grateful for all the help we receive, to achieve what we can to help these wonderful people get dignity and hope back into their lives.
With much blessing
Anne Jenkins
My arm is now recovering from all the injections I have had to have, and I just need to purchase my malarone tablets. (so expensive) but I do not want to catch Malaria. The little blighters do like my skin! even though I cover myself with repellent and herbal remedies,
The temperature in Bumala will be around the 70-80’s and the rainy season is due to start shortly. (must remember to pack my raincoat) No time to sunbathe though as it will be all go from start to finish, but oh so rewarding.
We have nearly finished packing our extra allowance of 13 suitcases, bless you British Airways, wish they could provide us with free fares as well, but we are grateful that they are allowing us extra baggage, we certainly need it, every suitcase is bulging with much needed items such as blankets, bedding, clothes, books, toiletries etc.
Think of us while we get all that through to the check- in desk, we should have very strong arms by the end of it. Thank goodness we are being met at Nairobi airport. The cases then are taken along a very bumpy road to their destination in Bumala, hopefully all in one piece.
After a short but welcome sleep in Nairobi, we get to go on a small plane to Kisumu and then after shopping in Kisumu which is very exhausting and so noisy (the only MOT they have must be to make sure the horn works!)They certainly don’t worry what side of the road they are driving, you just have to get out of the way .we then have a long drive along a very pot holed (looks like the surface of the moon with so many graters) main road to our final destination in Bumala. By then we all look as if we have been through a hedge backwards and need a good nights sleep ( we’ll be lucky) ready to face all the neighbours and people who want to meet us.
Some very positive things have occurred over the last few months, and I can not wait to see all the projects we started, and the new projects that are underway.
I am especially looking forward to seeing the children ,widows and our workers again who do such a fantastic job in caring for our children and widows needs, as well as looking after all the projects.
I have purchased a new video camera so that I can take some footage of the projects and children which can be put onto our web site for you all to see. I am also taking extra memory cards, as last year I managed to take about 600 pictures and wished I had taken another memory card as there is so much I want to see and do.
Project updates
• Widows Home. - The charity built a new home for a very needy widow, her dwelling was collapsing and she was cooking, eating and sleeping in this home with the nine grandchildren she cares for. Her new dwelling has just been completed and she is very happy now.
• The Bee Project. - Last month 9 kilos of honey was harvested from 7 bee hives, which is fantastic. I am looking forward to tasting this honey (unfortunately due to immigration laws we are not allowed to bring any honey back with us) This honey will be given mainly to the children to supplement their food , we aim to purchase more hives while we are their, as there is a great demand for it and we should be able to sell some from the next harvest as well as providing for our families
• Water Project. - This is so exciting Peter Weyama has had the tank installed to store the water and the pump will also be installed when we arrive, we have electricity in the homestead now, which will pump the water to the local area, and Tree nursery.
Once the government put in a transformer at the Bumala Secondary School, which should be within the next few months, this water can then be pumped to the schools in the area and hopefully, beyond.
• Schools. - We will be visiting the local schools in the area particularly Bukhakhala, Masabula Primary schools and Bumala Secondary.
We need to report back on the progress of the classrooms that Decoy and Kingskerswell School are building at the primary schools, these should be near completion. I hope we can also visit some of the boarding schools that a few of our older children go to.
• Banana Plantation. - This is the only project that we are having problems with, a very virulent virus has destroyed a lot of the crops. But we are fortunate that the local ministry of Agriculture are stepping in to help us, they are going to provide us with new disease free varieties and will also support us for 3 years to establish more varieties of fruit and vegetables, at their expense, which is fantastic news for us
• Safe House. - Plans have been drawn up to provide a safe house for our most needy children, these children do not a permanent place, they sleep and eat where they can, we aim to build six two bedroom homes, within the safety of the compound, where they will be cared for by the Bumala Trust family. There are many children in the same predicament , but as our Motto says “We can’t change the world but we can change someone’s world “
• Widows. - We will be meeting the widows to see how they have been progressing. In 2008 the Trust ploughed, tilled, fertilised their land, and provided them with seeds to grow their own food, we also supported them in other projects such as pigs and sewing machines etc. With our guidance and help they were beginning to help themselves and other widows to become more self-sufficient, some of the more able widows’ work in our Tree nursery, giving them an income.
• Goats. - We are also eager to start this project and will be looking into the building of the Goat houses, and purchasing good stock
• The Children - Hopefully we can spend time with the children, although some of our older boys and girls will be away at boarding school while we are there. We have a lot of gifts from their sponsors to give them as well as school equipment, clothes etc. Janet and I will be purchasing new school shoes from the proceeds of the shoe drive we did last year, and we will also endeavour to get as much information as we can about each of our children, their living conditions and school reports, so we can report this back to the sponsors. Our HIV children are given the special care, food and medication they need, by our wonderful carer Esnas.
Two of our boys are living with Peter in his home and three children live with Esnas, these children have no families so once our safe house is built they will be staying there.
I shall be composing a diary of my time in Bumala on my return, I will share this adventure with you on our web site. I expect to shed many tears but also much laughter.
Thank you all for supporting our charity, we are very grateful for all the help we receive, to achieve what we can to help these wonderful people get dignity and hope back into their lives.
With much blessing
Anne Jenkins
18/02: Newsletter February 2009
Newsletter February 2009
Welcome to our second newsletter, keeping you in touch with the projects and progress of our Bumala Family in N.W.Kenya.
We know that the recession has affected many people, so we appreciate your continuing support, it is so vital in these troubled times, as prices are still increasing in Kenya while the country stabilises itself.
Peter Weyama, Janet's husband from Bumala arrived here in September and returned at the beginning of November.
While here Peter visited a Pig Farm, met other organisations who have advised him of more productive methods of growing vegetables and fruit, gave talks at the local primary schools that sponsor the trust and also joined in with some of our fund raising activities. He also updated us on all the projects and how these projects have affected the lives of the community in Bumala.
The Tree Nursery is thriving and the vegetable and fruit garden is getting bigger and more productive, giving much needed work to our widows and people in the village. We have planted approx 1000 banana trees, some of which have started to produce fruit; we have fields of maize, kale and other vegetables. This year we plan to plant flowers that will encourage the bees and butterflies so that honey can be produced from our bee hives. Honey is in great demand and will also give our children the vitamins they need.
The pigs are also doing well, the children love looking after them, and we currently have 20 pigs with more piglets on the way.
The Borehole has been drilled, and once the pump and electricity have been installed, there will be enough water to irrigate the tree nursery as well as piping it to each homestead; a slow process but like all projects it takes money and time to achieve what we have set out to do. Many thanks to the Devon Peace Group who raised the money to achieve this.
Austin our blind orphan has now settled in a blind school nearer to Bumala, so Peter can visit him more easily. Compasse Braille donated a set of bible stories in Braille for Austin, he will be able to read these to our sponsored children and those at the School.
Peter and Janet Weyama had an interview with the Herald Express, in which they explained how they met and their involvement in setting up the charity, if you would like to see this report or any other report on some of our achievements, (providing you have internet access) then you can log on to the Herald Express news site, and type in The Bumala Trust, This will bring up items that have been reported on.
Our very kind local businessman who makes regular donations to the Trust, visited Bumala in November to see for himself the progress made since his involvement with the charity. He was greatly impressed and very touched by the plight of the families, how poor they are with very little means to live on. His donations enabled us to start and maintain the Tree nursery and pig project. Our families were so pleased to meet him, he was very moved by one little boy who said to him.
"You have brought us out of the dark into the Light"
There is much more still to do but we have to fence off the farm and provide security to our families and visitors before other projects can be started, this again is governed by costs.
We have several local schools that sponsor our charity. Decoy Primary School raised enough money to build two classrooms at Masabula Primary School, and Kingskerwell Community Primary School are raising money to build a nursery at Bukhakhala Primary school, Bradley Barton School are sponsoring one of our children through school, and Preston and Gampton Primary Schools raise funds for us.
Two Trustees and a volunteer are planning to visit Bumala in the Spring Unfortunately they could not go last year due to the riots, Many changes will be noticed.
British Airways has offered them a baggage waiver which will enable more needy items and clothing to be carried.
Since our last newsletter in July we have been busy with several fund- raising activities
* The Kingsteignton Ram roast raised £87.28
* Sponsored walk on Saturday 27th September raised £1650.75
* The Kelly Quarry Blasters at Totnes on the 5th October raised just over £500, many thanks to Annie & Derek Wills who organised the event,
* Three store collections at Tesco's & Asda, raised a total of £672.60
At some of our fundraising events you may have seen one or two Pandas; these Pandas are willing to help the Trust by offering their services for a small fee which will be donated to the Trust. They can deliver flowers or chocolates to a loved one, or entertain at children's birthday parties, please contact Anne Jenkins for more details or look on the web site www.teddy-grams.co.uk
Our charity has joined on some fundraising activities with 6 other African charities, based in Teignbridge, Our umbrella name is ACT (African Charities Together). Web site www.act.btik.com A recycling receptacle at B&Q Car Park, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, has been installed to take all rubbish clothing and shoes (not duvets) that can be recycled, the proceeds will be shared between the charities.
The Swiss Tropical Institute, in Basel Switzerland, is considering our application for part funding of the banana plantation.
Thank you all who have filled a tube with small change. We have raised over £1748.01 so far. If you would like a tube to fill with small change please contact us
Welcome to our second newsletter, keeping you in touch with the projects and progress of our Bumala Family in N.W.Kenya.
We know that the recession has affected many people, so we appreciate your continuing support, it is so vital in these troubled times, as prices are still increasing in Kenya while the country stabilises itself.
Peter Weyama, Janet's husband from Bumala arrived here in September and returned at the beginning of November.
While here Peter visited a Pig Farm, met other organisations who have advised him of more productive methods of growing vegetables and fruit, gave talks at the local primary schools that sponsor the trust and also joined in with some of our fund raising activities. He also updated us on all the projects and how these projects have affected the lives of the community in Bumala.
The Tree Nursery is thriving and the vegetable and fruit garden is getting bigger and more productive, giving much needed work to our widows and people in the village. We have planted approx 1000 banana trees, some of which have started to produce fruit; we have fields of maize, kale and other vegetables. This year we plan to plant flowers that will encourage the bees and butterflies so that honey can be produced from our bee hives. Honey is in great demand and will also give our children the vitamins they need.
The pigs are also doing well, the children love looking after them, and we currently have 20 pigs with more piglets on the way.
The Borehole has been drilled, and once the pump and electricity have been installed, there will be enough water to irrigate the tree nursery as well as piping it to each homestead; a slow process but like all projects it takes money and time to achieve what we have set out to do. Many thanks to the Devon Peace Group who raised the money to achieve this.
Austin our blind orphan has now settled in a blind school nearer to Bumala, so Peter can visit him more easily. Compasse Braille donated a set of bible stories in Braille for Austin, he will be able to read these to our sponsored children and those at the School.
Peter and Janet Weyama had an interview with the Herald Express, in which they explained how they met and their involvement in setting up the charity, if you would like to see this report or any other report on some of our achievements, (providing you have internet access) then you can log on to the Herald Express news site, and type in The Bumala Trust, This will bring up items that have been reported on.
Our very kind local businessman who makes regular donations to the Trust, visited Bumala in November to see for himself the progress made since his involvement with the charity. He was greatly impressed and very touched by the plight of the families, how poor they are with very little means to live on. His donations enabled us to start and maintain the Tree nursery and pig project. Our families were so pleased to meet him, he was very moved by one little boy who said to him.
"You have brought us out of the dark into the Light"
There is much more still to do but we have to fence off the farm and provide security to our families and visitors before other projects can be started, this again is governed by costs.
We have several local schools that sponsor our charity. Decoy Primary School raised enough money to build two classrooms at Masabula Primary School, and Kingskerwell Community Primary School are raising money to build a nursery at Bukhakhala Primary school, Bradley Barton School are sponsoring one of our children through school, and Preston and Gampton Primary Schools raise funds for us.
Two Trustees and a volunteer are planning to visit Bumala in the Spring Unfortunately they could not go last year due to the riots, Many changes will be noticed.
British Airways has offered them a baggage waiver which will enable more needy items and clothing to be carried.
Since our last newsletter in July we have been busy with several fund- raising activities
* The Kingsteignton Ram roast raised £87.28
* Sponsored walk on Saturday 27th September raised £1650.75
* The Kelly Quarry Blasters at Totnes on the 5th October raised just over £500, many thanks to Annie & Derek Wills who organised the event,
* Three store collections at Tesco's & Asda, raised a total of £672.60
At some of our fundraising events you may have seen one or two Pandas; these Pandas are willing to help the Trust by offering their services for a small fee which will be donated to the Trust. They can deliver flowers or chocolates to a loved one, or entertain at children's birthday parties, please contact Anne Jenkins for more details or look on the web site www.teddy-grams.co.uk
Our charity has joined on some fundraising activities with 6 other African charities, based in Teignbridge, Our umbrella name is ACT (African Charities Together). Web site www.act.btik.com A recycling receptacle at B&Q Car Park, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, has been installed to take all rubbish clothing and shoes (not duvets) that can be recycled, the proceeds will be shared between the charities.
The Swiss Tropical Institute, in Basel Switzerland, is considering our application for part funding of the banana plantation.
Thank you all who have filled a tube with small change. We have raised over £1748.01 so far. If you would like a tube to fill with small change please contact us
01/02: News Letter
In this News Letter section we will publish longer more detailed reports on a regular basis:
