Milestones
2024
In 2024 we...
Launched a picnic table initiative enabling community members to develop proficiency with power tools while constructing picnic tables, benches, and stools.
Constructed the inaugural residence intended for faculty members, marking the first of three planned accommodations.
2023
In 2023 we...
Installed 1,400 feet of electric cables and water pipes to supply power and water to classrooms, teacher housing, the kitchen, and the school garden.
Installed a hydro-pneumatic water system with 12 standpipes, reducing manual labor for water collection.
Installed a drip irrigation system in school gardens to enable year-round food production, even during the dry season.
Drilled a new well and funded fencing for a second school garden.
2022
In 2022 we...
Installed a solar microgrid to supply electricity across the campus.
Installed flat-screen televisions to improve the audiovisual experience for students.
Purchased textbooks for the 5th-grade class to assist in preparation for the 6th-grade entrance exam.
Funded the fence the student garden project to safeguard the crops.
Funded the drilling of a new well.
2019
During our September 2019 trip, we...
Repainted all classrooms and the Director’s office to ensure a refreshed and professional environment.
Resurfaced classroom floors and rebuilt desks.
Resurfaced all blackboards.
Installed solar and passive exhaust fans for better classroom ventilation.
Built 14 picnic tables and a blackboard for outdoor learning spaces.
Brought tools, generators, and supplies for future workshop initiative.
Donated books, art supplies, and educational games to create a library.
2018
Our first Friends of Guirgho Meeting
To Date
Other Accomplishments to Date·
Teachers and the principal have received laptops, printers, projectors, and IT specialist-led training on how to use them.
Support and training were provided for the new PTA members to help them understand their responsibilities in supporting students. The PTA serves as a platform for parental participation and feedback concerning the plan. Officers have been elected, and multiple meetings have taken place.
Prior to a fact-finding mission in November 2018, over 200 textbooks and various school supplies, including chalk and paper were distributed.
The Parent-Teacher Association has initiated desk repairs utilizing lumber processed from a recently fallen tree in the vicinity.
PTA members have demolished the old, unusable latrines to prepare for new construction.
Friends of Guirgho was officially designated as a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation on June 13, 2018. The educational opportunity received by Bila Victor had a tremendous impact on his family. This experience inspired his grandchildren and their friends to contribute in a meaningful way to others who would not otherwise have the opportunities afforded by education. In the spirit that even the smallest deeds can create a lasting positive impact. All members of Friends of Guirgho are dedicated volunteers and 100% of the funds raised go directly towards achieving our objectives.
Momentum
We've come a long way,
but there is still much left to do.
We are incredibly grateful to our donors and volunteers for all of the progress we have made so far. We have built incredible momentum with this project and we are not stopping now!
What’s Next
Friends of Guirgho's To-Do List
Complete construction and furnishing of secure, comfortable housing for all teachers.
Create a library with dedicated space for students to explore creativity through art and other developmental activities
Enclose the school campus to protect children from random traffic and ensure student safety during school hours
Build a dedicated preschool facility to support early childhood education
Establish a vocational center to teach practical skills, including those needed for maintaining school infrastructure
Expanding the school garden and building more picnic tables
Build sanitary latrines
Introduce computers to elementary school students to build digital literacy and support interactive learning from an early age