About the Norfolk Venda Educational Project:
The Norfolk Venda Educational Project was registered as a Charity in March 2007 and we have four Trustees, all actively involved (for more details of our trustees see below.
We are based in Norfolk, England.
We visit on an annual basis to assess progress for ourselves and discuss possible future assistance, on site.
Our charity has virtually no overhead expenses.
All donations to our funds are translated directly into positive and tangible help for the schools.
Progress to date:
Considerable improvements have been made and our endeavours have been considerably enhanced by the enthusiasm and involvement of the whole school community including parents and teachers.
At Tshadzume school Dr Solly Nkhumeleni has paid for a classroom to be built, arranged for an electricity supply to be connected and he pays the school fees for some of the poorest children.
We have installed a borehole to give a constant supply of fresh water, built an office for the Head Mistress, a staff room, a staff flush toilet, a library/IT room, supplied desks, chairs, chalk boards, computers, a photocopier and sufficient pencils to last the pupils for several years.
An irrigation system has been installed to enable vegetables to be grown in the school grounds. These are used to make a nutritious lunch for the children on a daily basis.
The school has now been linked to Heather Avenue Primary school in Norwich, Norfolk and regular communications take place between the schools.
At Ramugondo secondary school we have built a double classroom to replace an outdoor shelter and replaced the entire stock of desks and chairs. Our very grateful thanks are due to Martin Kennealy of Easywood Ltd . We have built an office for the Head Teacher as well as a staff room. A borehole is now providing an excellent supply of fresh water. Previously there was water available on two days per week only.
At Tshanowa school we have built two double classrooms to house children previously taught outside and one of them is now available to be used for village meetings. A new kitchen building has been built. After 3 years of setbacks a water supply has finally been established.
Our Trustees
Mr Ceri Holmes:
Ceri was Head Teacher at Firside Middle School, Norwich, Norfolk for 21 years.
Mrs Michelle Holmes:
Michelle was Head Teacher at Heather Avenue First School for 18 years and mentor to many Head Teachers in Norfolk.
Throughout their careers both Ceri and Michelle have supported children in need and actively encouraged their pupils to be involved in helping deprived children.
Mrs Patricia M. Jepson:
Patricia is a qualified Nurse.
She was appointed Justice of the Peace at the Norwich Magistrates Court, in Norfolk and she served for 17 years.
She has been engaged in various charitable organisations and, at present, is working with bereaved families.
Dr Philip D. Jepson:
Philip qualified in Dentistry and as specialist Orthodontist at University College London. He established a private practice in Norwich, Norolk.
In 1996 he was appointed Senior Stomatologist and Consultant to the Department of Orthodontics at MEDUNSA, South Africa teaching postgraduate students.