Let's build a school, shall we? ;)

It started with a few questions. A few comments. A few conversations. And now we're ready to make it happen. In one of my first blog posts I wrote that volunteering meant experiencing. I change my mind. It means doing. It means experiencing, learning, and then doing more if more is needed. And so Marisa, Mason and I have decided to take on a big project, and we need your help. We got it officially started today- a fundraising project for Timoskay.

Timoskay School Complex:

On the left is the nusery, to the right you can see the JHS 2 and JHS 1 classrooms 

Timoskay has become a second home to me, a second school. And one look at it when you set foot on the property and it gets you thinking. These kids deserve more. So much hard work has gone into starting the school but has been stalled due to lack of funds. So what's needed? 2 things. A library, and a new classroom on the second floor for the Junior High School 3 students of next year.

Even though I teach at Montessori, I've spent a lot of time here at Timoskay. I've seen 2 schools and I've seen what works and what doesn't. Montessori is a lot more developed than Timoskay. All the classrooms have 4 walls. There's a second story. An office full of library books. In fact, Montessori has just finished the construction of 4 brand new classrooms, one of which will be a computer lab. The JHS 3 students get one of the new classrooms which also have new desks. And already I've seen what a positive effect it's had on them. The students that is, not the desks! Timoskay deserves all of these things. And if the only thing stopping it is funds, than we should change it. We can help. All of us.

A library. A place where the whole school comes together. It benefits every single student. There are so many positive things I could say about how it would benefit the school, but it's far more interesting to hear it from the students. So, they've written you letters! Check out the photo album on the Timoskay School Complex facebook page so that you can hear directly from them why this is important.

Junior High School 3. It's the final year of mandatory education in Ghana. It's a big deal. It seems like my JHS 3 students at Montessori are constantly studying. There's so much stress on them for their final exams. The exams allow them to get into Senior High School, and then on to University and their jobs. I can't stress enough how important their final year is. This coming September will be the first year Timoskay has JHS 3. A graduating class. And as of right now, there is no space for them. The only alternative is to shift all the classes back one room, and combine the younger kids. Already, the Kindergarten and Class 1 share a room, with a small cardboard wall dividing them. If there is no new classroom, it will be Kindergarten, Class 1, and Class 2 all sharing a room. In theory it would work, but in reality it wouldn't. I am now teaching Class 1 at Montessori which has 45 kids in it. Not going to lie, it's a disaster. Having about 60 kids in one room, with 3 teachers trying to teach 3 different things would be insane. And it's not fair to the kids. They deserve an environment that is beneficial for their learning. And the new JHS 3 classroom would be the first one constructed on the second floor. They would be a part of the school of course, but separated enough that they get their own space. The second floor has to be built at some point. Why not us? Why not now?

Looking from the Class 1 part of the room at the Kindergarten Class

So that's our Timoskay project: A library and a classroom. It can be done for 5,000.00 dollars Canadian. It's within reach.

Let's talk money. We're in a country where every single dollar counts, and gets stretched to the maximum. Right away, 1 dollar is equivalent to 2 Ghana cedis. So look at that, your money is already doubled! And the money can go such a long way. Marisa arrived in Ghana with $250 Canadian donated by Lambrick Park Secondary School. With that money, they've been able to resurface 2 chalkboards, 1 bulletin board, the floors of 5 classrooms, add 3 levels of brick on the exterior wall, and lay the foundation for the new water run-off system. With the money left over they've bought 2 soccer balls for the soccer academy and some story books for the new potential library. Imagine how far $5,000 can go. (Also, huge thanks to Lambrick Park for their donation. Vic High- I'd love to see you get involved!!). Another key point is that every single dollar goes towards the project. We're not some big organization that has administrative fees. We wouldn't be doing this if we weren't 100% dedicated and believe in what we're doing. And what's more, it's a chance for all of you to be a part of our trip. We all had so much help to get here; were wished good luck by so, so many. So we're asking for donations. And we want to stress that anything helps, no matter how big or small.


How to donate: A click of a button. It's that easy. The Donate button at the top of your page will take you directly to our PayPal account, or you can access it from: http://pages.pacificcoast.net/~roberts/timoskay/
If you would prefer to donate by cash or cheques my parents in Victoria will be collecting the money. Please contact me if you would like me to put you in touch with them.


Updates!

It's more than just making a donation! We want you to stay connected and watch the progress. Our Timoskay Facebook page is going to be updated regularly with news, letters and cards from the kids, and progress with construction. And of course, plenty more pictures!  I'll also be keeping my blog updated on how progress is coming along, because this project is about to become a huge part of my trip. :)

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Timoskay-School-Complex/120020291521463?fref=ts

Timoskaaaaaay!

We're going to get the kids involved as much as possible. Because this project is not about 3 obrunis making a difference. It's not about putting up walls, a roof, a door, and a staircase. It's about so much more than that. It's about 2 communities: Timoskay School and you- the family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and mentors of 3 kids from Victoria. One of the most important things I have learned this trip is a quote from Mr Kainyiah: "There is no "I", there is only "we". There is no "my", there is only "our"". So we want to build our school a brand new library and JHS 3 classroom. And we want you to be a part of it. Any  donation helps and will make the world of difference for these kids. And spread the word!

Love,
Sarah (and of course Marisa, Mason, Mr. Kainyiah, and the entire Timoskay School community)

P.S. If you have any questions at all free free to contact me! Facebook message me or email me at sarie511@gmail.com.

Timoskay students <3