A family-run charity has reached its first goal of building a new school for children in rural Kenya.
Ilkley -based BASIK (Build A School in Kenya) has worked hard to raise £35,000 over five years, and has now completed its first school rebuild – the £26,000 Kilimani Primary, near Mombasa.
The school now educates 160 children from the local area, with nearly half of the students being female.
BASIK chief executive Chris Normington, said: “We’re delighted with the completion and are thankful to those who have helped along the way.
“Young girls aren’t always encouraged to go to school in rural areas, so we’re particularly proud that we have almost an equal split at our school.”
The charity is now using its funds to support the upkeep of the school – paying for the water supply, equipment, teachers, mosquito nets and fees for those children who have been orphaned through the AIDS epidemic.
As well as maintaining the support at Kilimani Primary, BASIK is now also raising funds to support the building of three further schools in the Mombasa area.
“Our first school may be finished, but the hard work doesn’t stop there,” said Mr Normington.
Fundraising continues, with a flag day in Ilkley during the weekend raising £409. Further events planned this year include a coast-to-coast bike ride in Wales, a sky-dive and the Great North Run.
More information about BASIK can be found online on Facebook and Twitter, or visit basik.org.uk.
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