MOSES OKOTH REPORTS

This general and very positive report was written by Moses Okoth, the MITS computer instructor, in September. It gives a general idea of what is going on at Made in the Streets.

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"John Wambu has given updates on the buildings. The new boys’ dorm is done, and the boys and supervisors have moved into the dorm. They are very happy, but some of the boys say they are cold. Now they are two in a room instead of four, and the rooms are bigger. Ben is also helping the supervisor with planting fruit trees and flowers on the boys’ compound.

The welding building is still in progress of being built. The boys who are learning masonry are building the toilets to be used at the training center. The girls' dining hall is basically finished and painted. Only the window glass and electric installation remain to be done.

For staff development, Francis has produced a seminar plan for the team in Eastleigh and the new staff at Kamulu to undergo a training period. Joel, Jackton, Irene, Renee, Francis, Moses and Larry led classes with the new team. We have seen this is needed because we have noticed issues at Eastleigh Centre thus the need for training and explanation of policies.

There was a breakin at the shop where the tailoring products are sold.

John has reported this to the police.

Due to unbecoming behaviour from kids going to additional training from Eastleigh, the team decided to bring Mugure and Dotrine back to Kamulu for monitoring. We also decided that those going to schools which are nearer to us should commute from Kamulu. Also Anastacia and Eunice are to look for their housing by next month.

Fast track classes have commenced for literacy students who will take the 8th grade exit exam in 2011, and the students are 12 in number. (note: all primary schools in Kenya participate in an 8th grade exam in several areas of study. Scores determine whether students will go on to high school and which schools. It helps the confidence and status of our students who can take part in the exam. We have been approved as a center for the exam.)

Virtual library is doing so fine, the two workstation are magnificent. The nursery is doing great and enjoying the flat screen TV. Terry has started going to Nargis’ salon for hairdressing and management training. Salon students have also started using the facility in skills centre. Ken Wambugu is doing great with the boys and generally with work assigned to him. He makes us proud all the time. We have been having a volunteer for the past three weeks now; Fiona Ondara has been teaching literacy classes.

Ben has gone ahead and dug a bigger fish pond and moved the fish to the bigger one.

John also wanted me to inform you of his purchase of his new pickup truck that he recently bought. Also the property painting is done. The sign posts are being installed in their places.

Joel reports that VBS was awesome, both at Kamulu and at Nziu."