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NGO constructs K13m school structures

 

Eva Demaya Centre, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), has constructed structures worth K13.2 million ($23 199) at Kasongwe Primary School in Rumphi.

The structures include four staff houses, a two classroom block, a head teacher’s office and 10 pit latrines. The structures are furnished.

Kouwenhoven (R) handing over  the school block
Kouwenhoven (R) handing over
the school block

Speaking on Thursday during the handover ceremony of the structures to government, Eva Demaya director Jacqueline Kouwenhoven, who is also member of Parliament (MP) for Rumphi West, said the donation follows a request from the community.

She said: “In 2012, chiefs asked me for a junior primary school. So, in 2013 when I visited Holland, I mobilised resources for the project.

“All these funds were raised on Christmas Day. It was a contribution by people at a [Roman] Catholic Church.”

School head teacher Jackson Botha said the donation will be a motivation to learners and teachers.

He said although they have received the structures, the school still faces other challenges such as lack of potable water.

He said: “We do not have taps, boreholes or shallow wells nearby. Our learners travel two kilometres in search of water. This affects their education.”

Eva Demaya which was established in 2001, receives its main support from the Eva Demaya Foundation in the Netherlands and other individual well-wishers.

Based at Luviri in Rumphi, the organisation has programmes in health, orphan care, micro-credit, community assistance, environmental protection, cross-cultural exchange and sports.

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