Revisiting Gilala School

In 2010, KEC funded rainwater tanks at Gilala shool. During our Tanzania visit, we planted a grove of fruit trees with the students. One afternoon, some of the Tanzania 2013 students were able to go back to Gilala to see how the school was faring. The rainwater tanks were functioning perfectly and were carefully manitained. Fastened to the top of the tank was a small placque identifying Kildonan-East Collegiate as the sponsor, in partnership with CPAR.
As I had been on the original trip, I was eager to see what changes had occured. We had to first proceed through the formalities of signing the guestbook in the headmistress's office - they turned back several pages and I was able to see the signatures of all the Tanzania 2010 members from our initial visit. We then moved into the garden area and I tried to pick out the tree I had planted as an eight inch seedling just three years ago. Melissa suggested it was probably the dead one standing at the edge of the field, but I am quite sure it was one of the many flourishing avacadoes that were standing twelve to fifteen feet tall and producing fruit. The entire grove looked very healthy and green, rrigated by runoff water from the tanks. In addition, the school has started a large vegetable garden with support from CPAR, and looks to be quite healthy.
We then toured each class, where we were greeted by the students who were eager to provide us with a list of items in need at the school. Fortunately, we had brought several of the items with us, thanks to the generous donations of Kildonan-East Collegiate staff and students. They were very excited to rceive much needed items like pencils, rulers, and notebooks, but absolutely delerious when we brought out the soccer balls, skipping ropes, and frisbees.
Since we had a smaller number of KEC students and teachers with us that day, we were a little hard pressesd to try and interact with all of the Gilala students. Garrett was quickly involved in a soccer match with the boys while Melissa quickly pumped up the rest of the balls and distributed them. Daria was involved with some very enthusiastic skipping rope games while Bryce tossed frisbees with a large group. Lindsay showed a small group how to work her digital camera while Mr. Shute and myself had a discussion with the second head teacher. We were very pleased to hear that this school did not employ the "stick" -corporal punishment - and yet still ranked very well academically.
Great to see the legacy of Tanzania 2010 continuing to make such a positive impact!

Written by - K. Athayde

A tree Mrs. Athayde helped plant in 2010. Wow, how it has grown.