Liam's Walk 2019 Blarney 13th April at 12.00

Dear friends,

         As you know Liam died just over three years ago while I was in Sierra Leone with John and Bernice (my brother and sister) and other family members. We were there to officially open a school. The funds to build the school had been raised by them. Liam and I raised the funds for the school equipment. Because of what happened to Liam, both events will always be linked in our hearts. Liam loved to walk and did so almost every day so it is fitting that we remember him with a productive and active event rather than some sterile memorial.

         Therefore we wish to continue to have a walk for him and also to raise money to build Schools in West Africa. Education is the key to freedom from poverty. Since last year we have completed schools in Monrovia, Liberia and Malawi and schools are substantially complete in Sierra Leone. Other works include maintenance work on The Liam Manley Primary School and construction of wells.

         Details on www.schoolsandhealthfoundation.com

None of this could be achieved without the generous donations and funds raised by our friends, neighbours and the greater community. Thanks to you all.                                                                                                                Jackie

Disaster in Geisha

We have approved a project to build school blocks in Geisha School, Mzuzu, Malawi at a cost of €20K each. All we need is money!

Unfortunately the existing blocks have been severely damaged by a storm. This makes the construction of well-built blocks more urgent.

Progress in Rothana

Our school in Rothana, Sierra Leone will be opened at Easter when students from Scoil Mhuire Cork will see the fruits of their work.

The local builders are doing a good job.

Monrovia School opens at end of February

St. Mukasa school in Monrovia, Liberia will open at the end of February.

We hope to fund another school in Liberia in the near future.

Rothana Work Begins

Work has begun with the making of the concrete blocks in our new school in Rothana, Sierra Leone.

Site is Marked out for Rothana school

Another school is on the way in Sierra Leone. On 2nd Jan Alimamy helped to delineate the site.

When we visit at Easter the scrub will be replaced by a fine new school.

Water still flows in Cameroon war-zone

To: John Mitchell, CEO SHF

Good morning John,

Compliments of the season.

I have read with much gratitude your winter newsletter. The achievements are glaring. I thank you so much for the impact you are creating among our deprived people in Africa.

We pray that things come to normal in Cameroon so that the seed you started in Cameroon can continue to grow and bear fruits.

Despite the crisis, I was informed by one village elder Mr Henry Fongang and the chief of our centre there that the water in Efah has been flowing without stopping even in the heat of the dry season. I say once again on behalf of the villagers of Efah, thank you. God bless your projects with more sponsors.

Bro Linus Tangu N., OH

St John of God Health & Social Services - Cameroon

Big Increase in School Numbers in Sierra Leone

Attendance

School Community 2017 2018

Liam Manley Community Primary School Mange Acre 130 280

SHF Katick Primary School Katick 75 121

SHF Makuthaneh Primary School Makuthaneh 120 127

Fr. Richard M Kamara Memorial Primary School Rogballan Madina 165 235

Bernice O'Brien Community Primary School Manungbu 175 219

Margaret Mitchell Community Primary School Robombeh 73 182

TOTAL 738     1,164

There has been a 58% increase in school attendance with the biggest % in our newest school in Robombeh.

This progress brings new challenges as new class rooms are required in Mange Acre and probably soon in Robombeh as well.

Monrovia school almost completed

After delays and disappointments St. Mukasa School in Monrovia will by ready by the first week of December. With electricity and running water it is by far the best school we have built in Africa. The contrast with the old school is striking.

Bikes for Community Teachers

Qualified teachers in Sierra Leone are usually assisted by Community Teachers who are funded by the local people which means they receive very little. During our visit to Katick village this year two of these teachers who lived some distance from the school asked us to provide bicycles. They have arrived.