Nandi School Project: Yearly Report 2024-25
Welcome and Introduction:
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all stakeholders—including donors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and the wider community involved with the Nandi School Project—as you review this yearly report.
This marks the very first specific yearly report I have completed since the inception of the charity. Let me begin by reminding you of our mission:
Our Mission:
The charity was founded on 1st June 2018 by Duncan McDonald, Petra McDonald, and Caroline Holding (our first substantial donor). Its purpose is to advance education by providing funds to build a school and sponsor or support orphans and seriously disadvantaged children in Kipsamoite, Nandi County, Kenya. This support includes school fees, uniforms, and a feeding program.
Over time, our vision has evolved to focus on creating a self-sustaining school that fosters an entrepreneurial environment, promoting self-help ideas and teachings.
Overview of the Year:
Main Achievement: Bio-digester Construction
The construction of our bio-digester was the primary goal and achievement of the year. This has been a dream of mine for several years, as it would help the school attain self-sufficiency in power for cooking and lighting. The bio-digester system can produce 10m³ of biogas per day. I have produced a 20-minute video that details the building process and the challenges faced. Please [CLICK HERE to watch it].
While building the bio-digester, we realised that careful budgeting and strategic purchasing decisions allowed us to save a significant amount of money. In addition, the expertise available on-site enabled us to replicate the bio-digester’s design and, with a few modifications, construct a 62,000-litre underground water tank to store harvested rainwater.
Both tanks were completed just before our departure in mid-March. However, additional work, such as commissioning the gas supply to newly purchased industrial stoves and installing the guttering and pipework for water diversion, was finished the following month.
Other Projects Completed This Year:
Despite the success of the biodigester and water tank, we accomplished several other initiatives, including:
- Distributed Christmas presents to the children, raising over £4,000 from generous donors.
- Donated 55 football kits and other sports equipment, courtesy of Kitaid UK.
- Completed all electrical work in the hall and kitchen.
- Assisted in rebuilding a community road damaged by storms.
- Funded the medical treatment of David Chumba (Blindman) for his gangrenous foot and partial amputation.
- Purchased 30 new desks for one of the classrooms.
- Donated several laptops, tablets, and phones to the school.
- Purchased two dartboards for junior math lessons.
- Installed a terrazzo floor in the staff room and fully refurbished the remaining areas.
- Bought specific presents for sponsored children.
- Donated sanitary products for the girls.
- Hired a children’s coordinator, cleaner, and maintenance worker to support the school.
- Completed additional electrical installations in the administration block.
- Provided all food for the children in the feeding program.
- Organized a school trip to Kisumu for older children and a fun park visit for younger students.
- Purchased shutters and doors for the hall.
- Shipped a crate of books and sports equipment to the project.
- Donated a professional saw to assist with carpentry needs.
Challenges and Setbacks:
This year also brought unexpected challenges that tested our resolve. The most difficult was the loss of a trusted partner and friend, Vincent Mwei. His departure was a painful chapter in our journey but one that has reinforced the importance of our mission and values.
In an act of desperation and compassion, Vincent borrowed charity funds without permission to cover the urgent medical costs of a gravely ill friend. Unfortunately, the funds were not returned as promised, and I had no choice but to relieve Vincent of his duties.
However, the unwavering support of Pastor Eliazer Kogey and Vincent’s parents, who stepped forward to cover the missing funds, helped restore the project’s financial stability. This intervention reminded us of the shared commitment to our mission.
As we move forward, we remain confident that challenges like these are opportunities for growth. We are hopeful that broken trust can be rebuilt over time. Our shared vision for this project remains intact, and we will continue to persevere with the support of our community.
Year in Summary:
The achievements of the past year have had a transformative impact on both the school and the surrounding community. The bio-digester, for instance, has provided the school with a sustainable source of energy for cooking and lighting, reducing reliance on costly and environmentally harmful alternatives. These savings have freed up resources that can be redirected to other critical needs.
Similarly, the creation of the underground water tank has addressed water scarcity issues, ensuring access to clean, harvested rainwater. This, in turn, promotes better hygiene and health for students and staff.
The ripple effect of these projects is clear in the enhanced learning environment. Improved classroom facilities, new laptops and sports equipment, and refurbished communal spaces have all fostered a more engaging and supportive atmosphere for education and personal development. Initiatives such as the feeding program and sanitary product donations have addressed critical welfare needs, enabling students to focus on their education without the burden of unmet basic needs.
These accomplishments have not only uplifted the school but also strengthened the sense of community. The school has become a model of resilience and sustainability, inspiring the wider region.
Goals for the Coming Year:
- Main Project: Construction of Two New Classrooms
The primary focus for the coming year is the construction of two new classrooms, which will bring the total number of classrooms at the school to eight. This marks a significant step toward completing the school’s infrastructure and enhancing the learning environment. - Poultry Farm Initiative
Another exciting project is the establishment of a poultry farm. Though still in the early stages, we need just £477 to bring this initiative to fruition. Once completed, the poultry farm will provide a sustainable source of income and nutritional support for the school and local community. - Upgrading the Kitchen with Professional Units
Thanks to a generous donation from Linda Coupe, the school will upgrade its kitchen with stainless steel kitchen units. This will ensure a more efficient and hygienic cooking space, enabling better meal preparation for the students. - Water Tower and Distribution System
The construction of a water tower is underway, which will be supplied by a pump connected to the underground water tank. This tower will provide clean water across the school, with a primary focus on supplying the kitchen.
An additional part of this project includes the installation of a water purification system, though this is still being costed.
Current Financial Status:
We currently have £10,232 in our charity account. To complete the above projects, we need an additional £3,500. Your support is crucial in helping us reach this goal. Please consider contributing to make these vital developments a reality.
Appreciation and Call to Action:
We are deeply grateful to all those who have supported the Nandi School project this year. To our donors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and the wider community, your generosity has allowed us to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and the community we serve.
As special thanks goes out to the following;
Linda Coope for her continued support and numerous donations
Sharon Gunn for running four quiz nights and raising over £500
All About Framing with a donation of £1,000
Storrow Properties for their sponsorship of 9 individual children
HMRC gift aid giving £4,478
(Apologies for anyone else that I’ve missed)
As we look to the future, we invite you to continue supporting our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness of our cause, your involvement is invaluable. We are particularly focused on completing key projects, such as the new classrooms, poultry farm, and water tower system. With just £3,500 needed to complete these projects, we ask for your continued support.
Closing Message:
Together, we have achieved so much, and with your ongoing support, we are confident that the Nandi School Project will continue to grow and thrive. Our vision of creating a self-sustaining school that empowers the community remains at the heart of all we do. We look forward to the continued impact we can make with your help. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to work together to create a brighter future for the children of Nandi.
Duncan & Petra McDonald
Founder and Chairman Nandi School Project