‘MJI WA HURUMA’ DAY NURSERY SCHOOL PROJECT
OF THE MATUMAINI YOUTH GROUP

PROJECT ACTIVITY REPORT

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1       Project Objective

The primary objective of the project was to improve the learning conditions of the children of the village through upgrading of the nursery school hall, installing play materials and strengthening the fence around the compound.

1.2       Project Activities

The activities carried out included, general repairs, improve security through additional mesh-wire fencing around the compound, painting of classes, erecting play materials and sign-writing.

2.            PROJECT PROGRESS

2.1            Community Contribution and Involvement

The involvement and contribution by the beneficiary community is commendable. Through the village youth group, the community acquired the plot for the project to provide space for the nursery school and community hall. During the rehabilitation of the nursery school, they contributed all unskilled labour needed, skilled labour for latrine pit digging and part of the artisan payments. The unskilled labour so provided was expended in digging foundations for the walls, digging the latrine as well as construction of the perimeter fence. They are yet to provide stones to prevent excessive soil erosion next to the wall on the front face of the day nursery building.

2.2            Procurement of Materials and Labour

2.2.1            Materials and skilled labour

Materials purchase was based on visiting suppliers and making verbal quotations. The amounts needed were small and varied as indicated in the attached detailed expenditure list. No suppliers for the required materials are available in the vicinity of the project area. Purchases were therefore made from various sources in Nairobi. The prices indicated are generally in line with prevailing market prices and represent the true cost of the project. The group adhered to the material requirement guidelines and no material wastage has been observed.

Skilled labour was available within the community. Part of the skilled labour was paid for by the community while a better part was paid from contributions from the donor.

Project supervision and co-ordination

General co-ordination was done by Mr. Gunnar Schultzberg and no cost was associated with project supervision and general co-ordination.

2.3.2        Painting

Painting was necessary after completion of the structures. The same colouring pattern was used; yellow on the upper part of the walls with a bluish finishing on the lower parts.

2.3.3            Fencing

Fencing comprises meshed and barbed wire fastened onto cedar posts dug about 450 mm into the ground and backfilled material compacted to provide firm anchorage.

2.3.4            Furniture

Furniture comprises 16 No. tables- painted, 12 No. benches and 2 No. teachers’ chairs.

2.4            Financial Management

The first payment was made on 21^st Aril 2001. Available records indicate that the Swedish Society of Kenya has so far made a total of 2 payments to the Matumaini youth group since the start. Recorded or otherwise acknowledged expenditures are  reported in the form of receipts or other type of records.

Total payments recorded amount to Ksh. 30,000/- whilst total expenditure declarations total Ksh. 27,950/-. This indicates a balance of  Ksh. 2,050/-. The fund is to be used in the continuing phases of general repairs. All payments to the group were made by Mr. Gunnar Schultzberg on behalf of the Swedish Society, and received by the co-ordinating group member, Mr. Christopher Njoroge, on behalf of the other members. All income the group has so far received is well utilised directly on the works that they set out to accomplish.

Although formal quotations have not been made, it is apparent from the receipts that the prices reflect the market situation.

2.4       Report Writing

The Matumaini youth group, which has been responsible for all project activities since the start, has demonstrated good commitment, generally kept records as much as feasible and also provided written reports at the end of use of funds. The reports contain progress information, benefits as well as expenditure.

3.0            CONCLUSION

There were some activities carried out that were not in the original budget. These were sign-writing and follow-up in registration of group. The sign-writing was done after the painting of the classroom and office. This was necessary so as to tell the class from the office.

The follow-up for registration came up when it appeared that a cheque written in the groups name couldn’t be cashed. This is because the account is held in the names of three signatories and not Matumaini Youth. We were required to produce registration forms in order for the money to be transferred to the account. The money was to be used in paying the salaries for the teacher. The issue of registration had to be given temporary priority then. However, several visits to the offices of the provincial administration have not borne fruits yet and we are still waiting for communications from them. The unexpected expenses incurred in the form of  travel, typing and photocopy services reflect under the water/gate repairs on the income and expenditure charts.

DATE

PAYEE

AMOUNT IN

ACTIVITY

AMOUNT OUT

BALANCE

4/1/01

Mr. Schultzberg

10000

10000

4/24/01

Box Rental

1200

8800

5/3/01

Mr. Schultzberg

10000

18800

5/4/01

W/preservative

600

18200

5/10/01

Fencing

2850

Labour

1920

Total

4770

13430

Painting

10430

Labour

1670

Total

12100

1330

5/11/01

B/board

320

1010

5/22/01

General

700

310

GENERAL REPAIRS

Mr. Schultzberg

10000

10310

6/18/01

Swings

2500

7810

Water/gate

4100

3710

S/Writing

1660

2050