July saw the return of Sylva Von Bomsdorff for a short holiday from her home in Peru and we were delighted to hear news of the latest happenings at her small School in Lima.
Due to the fact that Lima has been experiencing an unusual level of heavy, fine rain which the original flat roof was not designed to manage, it has been necessary to improve the slope and drainage for the roof, something outside their planned budget.
However, a small increase to the salary has enabled the School to continue to employ the dedicated teaching team and pupil levels are almost at the maximum for the classrooms available, although only around 30% are able to pay their full fees. Income continues to be juggled by Sylva and her team to ensure education is available wherever possible for those with little income.
An additional expense has been the replacement of the 15 year old mini bus used to collect pupils and facilitate occasional educational outings, due to the fact that changes to legislation required a much newer vehicle for transporting pupils.
Despite the financial limitations, as ever, Sylva’s faith continues to give her support in the work she is determined to continue.
SI Bristol gave a large contribution of both goods and money in 2004/5 for the early development of the school and we have continued to send regular support whenever a fund-raising event for
Learning in Lima can be arranged.
Sylva is actively trying to extend Learning in Lima to the women by encouraging the Mothers to learn English recipes to enable them to build a small catering business to supply the many festivals and family parties which are a feature of Peruvian culture.