Minutes:
MEETING AT LOLDIA PRIMARY SCHOOL, FEBRUARY THE 3RD 2020.
Those present:
1. Mr. Joseph Njeru. New Headteacher.
2. Mr. James Ndingu'ri. Senior teacher.
3. Gill Marshal-Andrews. Secretary, Trusts for African Schools. (TAS London)
4. Mr. Njenga Mungai. General Manager, GRVL.
5. Diana Low. Trustee, LPS.
6. Ben Arentz. Trustee and technical advisor, LPS.
7. Wanja-Gitura Arentz. Trustee and secretary, LPS.
After a word of prayer led by the headteacher Joseph Njeru, all present took turns introducing themselves stating their role at LPS and making a statement of what they saw as the way forward and vision for LPS 2020 and the future.
Those present heartily welcomed the new Headteacher Joseph Njeru (HT) and wished him all the best as he steered the school forward.
James Nding'uri (JN) gave a short history of the school.
The HT stated that at the moment the school has a population of 2,021 students.
There are 25 TSC teachers with a shortfall of 19 teachers.
The TSC, apparently until recently was unaware of the acute shortage of teachers at LPS and has pledged to send 10 more teachers this term.
There are also 8 teachers paid for by various well wishers:
5 by Bilashaka, 1 by Loldia, 1 by Diana and Peter Low.
A simple calculation shows that the teacher ratio is 1 for 82 students.
Ben Arentz (BA) handed out a write up about the water situation at LPS and explained the various sources of water available to LPS. (See the notes on the meeting about water supply at LPS on 8.11.19)
Njenga Mungai (NM) said he would get in touch with Shalima and look into the matter of insufficient pressure for the Shalima water supply so that the right pressure for the water can be restored urgently to provide the school with clean water. The headteacher will also get in touch with Shalima.
Out of the work done on the gutter system and repair of stone walled tanks, the school now has tanks full of clean and safe rain water for the students and staff.
All present agreed with GMA that there was a great need for constant general repair and maintenance.
The head teacher said there was indeed maintenance money available from the government for each school which he has started using. Hence there is the ongoing painting of the old administration building and the provision of light-admitting-mabati for the roofs in some of the oldest classrooms. There are also some funds for specific uses and a fixed amount per student for general management of the school. The girls are now being provided with sanitary towels from these funds.
Lunch for students is a big issue. Some students bring lunch from home which is fine. Others go to Kasarani shops to buy food or go home for lunch. However, most of the parents are at work and no one supervises the students.
This brings in safety issues especially for girls. The head teacher pointed out that this had led to pregnancies for girls at the school resulting in very young mothers in the school and in some cases abortions.
There is a great need to build a kitchen and a dining hall so students can be fed at the school.
He said that at a meeting he had with the parents last week, this matter was brought up and agreed upon and now needs to be acted on.
There is also a great need to coordinate all projects at LPS to avoid duplication and wastage of resources.
It was agreed that the head teacher and the trustees need to work closely with the MP, MCA, CDF, the Chief, the ministry of health officials based in Kasarani etc. to uplift the standard of the school.
A walk round the school revealed that the black tanks are at full capacity with clean rain water.
This is good news. However, one of the concrete tanks is virtually empty. The gutters seem to be well in place but there is blockage of the pipes which does not allow the water to reach the tank. This is simple maintenance by cleaning the gutters and pipes to remove blockage and leakage.
The head teacher promised this would be looked into immediately to maximize water harvesting from the continuing rains.
A great number (30) of the toilets are in a deplorable condition and are a real health hazard. The floors are filthy. Most doors are askew and there is no water to wash hands. These toilets need urgent attention.
Njenga Mungai (NM) said he would send technical personnel to the school to look into the issues of water supply and gutters and the toilets to see where GRVL can help.
He also promised to look into provision of a 10,000 liter water tank to be used for rain water collection from the two new Bilashaka provided classrooms.
The toilet long drop at the staff quarters is completely full and can no longer be used. Staff now have to make use of facilities meant for the students. There is an urgent need to build a new block.
BA and Wanja Arentz (WA) said they would check how much money was available in the LPS fund and immediately send out a tender for a new block with four doors that is:
.One long drop and shower room for the women.
.One long drop and wash room for the men.
Three lap top computers have been provided by Grace Gray from the UK.
Many thanks to Grace.
These will need to be refurbished with Windows 10 operating system and installed for use in the new teachers’ staff room. A printer will also be provided and some basic training given to the teachers in the use and maintenance of this equipment.
BA and WA will arrange for this as soon as possible.
The meeting ended at 12.30.
