Thanks to a Grant awarded to us by Cares 4 Kids in 2015 we were able to build a new washing facility at St Michael’s.

The existing washrooms were over 30 years old and were in a terrible state - they were falling down with no roofs. Unfortunately they were also right next to the dormitories, with plenty of standing water that attracted mosquitoes and increased the risk of malaria at the school. 

Immediately on receipt of the Grant construction work started at record pace with a team of local workmen, headed up by a local builder (and St. Michael’s parent) Tom of Kayoro Construction Ltd.

Matt Watts, from Newbury, Berks, was instrumental in securing the Grant from Cares 4 Kids  via The Openwork Foundation part of Zurich Community Trust (UK) Ltd. Matt did not want to miss out on being involved on the ground. He travelled out to Uganda to volunteer and help with the build. This was Matt’s first visit to Uganda and it did not take him long to see that this new washroom was going to transform the girls’ washing routine and significantly improve  their personal hygiene.

During the 7 week build, and with Matt’s help, we realised that the Grant from Cares 4 Kids was going to be able to stretch to tiling on the floor and installing shower heads. Tom went off to get all the materials and tiling and pipework was soon being laid. 

The cost of electricity is high and at the moment pumping water to the large new storage tank does not happen every day - but it is a start and it is wonderful that as the school develops the washroom is ready to have running water everyday.

Large laundry sinks were installed outside the main washroom - under cover, so the girls will now be able to wash their clothes and bed linen sheltered from the rains.