Aa I am still waiting for a number of people to complete their latest updates, I thought I would take this opportunity to say a few things about the project.
It has been my pleasure to get back involved with Pakati, both schools and their community. Since September 2018 I have had regular contact with the Heads of the two schools, their teachers, plus many students of the past, from before, during and after my time working at the Secondary school between 1989 and 1991. Some of these have become very close friends, and are active in their support for Friends of Pakati, and have been joined by Debbie Chadbon, fellow former VSO teacher at Pakati Secondary school.
Revisiting the schools last year was such a wonderful experience, unforgettable. All can be seen in recent blog posts https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/09/27/a-truly-amazing-day-at-pakati-12-months-on/ and https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/09/30/september-30-2019/
Since then, many things have happened, including more funds raised, joint ventures, IT equipment we delivered sports kits being used, then life being halted by Covid 19. Thankfully, as reported recently https://friendsofpakati.com/2020/09/29/schools-limited-return-fundraising-hit-again-by-covid19/ some limited return has been possible, though not without issues – it is still holding back our fundraising as reported in the same post.
There are some recent developments which I have not yet reported on, but as soon as I get the back-story, I will relate it to you on here. It is something that we have covered in the vision for Friends of Pakati, see https://friendsofpakati.com/2020-vision-friends-of-pakati-the-project-continues/ so watch out for the news when we publish fairly soon.
As I have officially come to the end of my weight loss programme for fundraising – loss of 2 stones 2 lbs/14.8kg down since January 16th.
There are funds to come from those who made promises at the start, to add to our total. We do need more please, so please give what you can at http://gofundme.com/friends-of-pakati
It is hard to know how things will pan out, but it is hoped that normality will return in time. I look forward to a time when I can be back at Pakati, to meet friends old & new, hand over more equipment, give thanks for all donations. At present, I plan to be back in about 12 months.
Well done for the weight loss goal