The 2021 event raised almost £9,000 despite significant increases in costs. As every year 50% is donated to the Strathaven Scouts and Guides to help support the groups with the upkeep of the hall, etc. The other 50% is donated to charities such as HHI who we have supported for many years and who directly deliver amazing “on the ground” projects. They have used our recent Round Strathaven donations towards building this house (now complete) for the headmaster of the Nanga school for handicapped children in Zambia. Prior to this the headmaster was sleeping on the floor of the classroom in a cardboard box! Below is an email he sent to HHI which demonstrates the huge impact your participation in the Round Strathaven has:
“On behalf of PTA members, teachers, pupils and indeed my own behalf, I am expressing our profound gratitude to your organization for helping with the above mentioned items. However, the positive effects of those donations to the school as follows:The dining hall has provided sanity in as a far as preparation of food for learners is concerned. Before the construction of the dining hall, our pupils used to take their meals outside on the ground and this was a very sorry and stressful sight. The current situation where our pupils ate feeding from the dining hall and seated on benches with tables has brought smiles and happiness in the lives of learners.Construction of the house has positively made works easily for me in that it is easy to supervise the teachers throughout because l am always available in the school The construction of the house has motivated me highly because I am now with the family unlike the previous experience where I was divided between two worlds. Foot paths and ramps has made life for pupils on wheelchairs and the blind easy because they are able to move from one point to another easily especially during the rainy season. The current situation is encouraging because even a blind child can easily explore the school because of the foot paths and ramps. Improvements in water system has made the school to get involved in gardening because of water. Through gardening we are able to teach learners survival skills they can use in the future to make a living in case, they failed to make it academically. Gardening is also helping the school to raise money and supplement the diet of the learners.The toilets built at school has made it possible for learners to have rooms of convenience that are tailored for children with special educational needs. Previously our learners used to use makeshift toilets with poor hygiene and ventilation.The procurement of the gas stove and cylinder has made work for house parents easy in that they can now prepare meals within shortest possible time. Previously house parents, were taking two hours to prepare meals but currently it’s taking them forty minutes to prepare meals and this has helped both house parents and teachers to improve on time management.”
