Surrounded by the tracks of mighty elephants and lions, in the midst of the vast bushlands the biggest of our projects is located- Karao. Tempestuous downpour regularly destroys the road to Karao and so it is very hard to advance to the village.
Here in Karao we have built a primary school and these days there are about 310 students in the classes with tendency to rise. When we started working here, there were only two classes but today we are glad to oversee seven classes and every year we start one more. The school runs its own kitchen, where the students get twice warm meals each day and we even built a toilet there. The Karao Pre-Primary School is an officially recognized school. Supported by international partners the project in Karao started in 2012, but still we are covering up to 80% of the expenses of the school. Gradually the language of instruction will shift to English, in order to enhance the opportunities of the children.
The biggest problem for the village was the water. The next water site is six to seven kilometers away and every day the women of the village are walking all the way just to get even the tiniest sip of water.
In August 2018, we were able to build a water pipe all the way to Karao by the help of the World Bank and now, water is flowing out of a normal tap in the middle of the village. This circumstance contributes strongly to the growth and development of the community.
In 2022, another well drilled broke through and brought water up from a depth of more than 200 m. In 2023 we worked to stabilize and drain the water.
Our vision for the future in Karao would be an independent agriculture. The land we were given there is about 24 hectares and half of it is suitable for farming. For this project, we still need helping hands.
Furthermore, the school should one day be able to pay for itself. Therefore, we are planning to establish a school-owned mill and a little store, where students and villagers alike can shop.
Another big concern is the construction of a residential home for the students. The way the children must walk from the surrounding villages to school every day is long and dangerous and so, often, they are late for class.A dormitory building has already been built with donations, but for various reasons it is still to be opened. Once these are resolved, 50 happy children will be able to live in quality conditions on the school grounds.
A medical house has been built on the school grounds with donations, but it is still to be furnished and fully operational. When it is operational, it will include an X-ray room, gynaecology, dental and general practice.
