When Mr Chichitike, Chairman of the School Committee in Kayoyo Parish applied to MACS for help with funding a teacher’s house at Vikula, he said that the school had 900 boys and girls but only three teachers. He said the problem was they had only one teacher’s house and so it was difficult to find teachers who wanted to teach at their remote school.

Funding was approved in January 2010 and now, in June 2011, it is almost finished, with minor additions such as a facia board and drainage channels yet to be done. Extra funding to complete the work has recently approved, but so great is the need, teacher George Maengesi and his wife and three young daughters are already occupying the house.

During her recent Project Officer visit, Eileen met Mrs Maengesi, whose husband was away on a course. She showed her the old house where they had been living. It was made of mud and is now crumbling and very dark inside. Mrs Maengesi said, "We are so happy in our new house which is strong and comfortable and has good windows which let in the light."

These photos show Mrs Maengesi and her three daughters outside her new and old house, plus lots of excited schoolchildren! The man in the raincoat is Archdeacon McConnex Chilase who supported the school in its appeal for funding from MACS.