What happened since July?

(Outdated blogs, goodness, they are so boring...! Huh!)

So - what happened since the first field mission in July 2010?
Many things indeed. Good things. Exciting things. After Margaret and I came home from the visit of the project site in the first half of July 2010, I was busy writing my report about the state of Project Nyanza launched in 2007. My report grew into a massive 44 page document and was presented during a teleconference to the UK board of TaC. I was very happy to learn later on, that many of my recommendations were accepted. TaC now pursues a more holistic approach or in other words: has significantly increased the budget per student. From now on TaC does not only pay the school fees, but makes sure the beneficiaries have sufficient uniforms, better equipment at school, access to medical care and hopefully from next year on even a little pocket money to cover their basic needs. Moreover, the annual gathering like the one that took place in 2009, has now become institutionalized. This year's annual gathering will take place in mid-December. During the meeting, the students will have the chance to bond, challenge each other, learn about career opportunities, listen to role models and acquire life skills. Last but not least: there is even some time for games and sports.
It is my great honour and pleasure to currently implement the recommendations I have given previously. That includes basically all organizational aspects and one could describe it as a general professionalization of TaC in Kenya: infrastructure, communication, formalization of processes, set-up of co-operations, networking, outreach, and of course: fund-raising. Especially Kenyan fund-raising, as there hasn't been any Kenyan contributor other than our extremely committed volunteers here.
My next task is to visit the project site for a second time, evaluate the schools not covered by the first visit, and interview the students I haven't met yet. Further, I will discuss co-operations, meet government officials and representatives of other NGOs. I will try my very best to keep you posted on the events during the second field mission!