'Visoi Children's Centre International', Ailsa Thom

President Peter welcomed to our meeting Anna Hazel, Head of Nether Currie Primary, Sandra Dea, Ann Thom and our speaker, Ailsa Thom.

Anna Hazel said she was very pleased to be at our meeting and looked forward to developing a relationship between her school and the Club by setting up Rotakids, hopefully after the summer holidays. This news was enthusiastically welcomed by our members.

Our speaker, Ailsa, is no stranger to our Club and said this was her third visit to update us on Visoi Childrens Centre International. Visoi has been the recipient of funds from the Club over several years and we were delighted to get an update on the charity which Ailsa and 'Mama Sweetie' set up in 2008.

Starting with the objective of providing assistance to orphans, a plot of land, a wheelbarrow, poles, string, stones and massive enthusiasm, Visoi has developed into providing healthcare, education and fun for 19 children from age four upwards plus another four older children who attend high school. The site at Kampi Ya Moto now includes dormitories, dining room, toilets, water storage and recently has added their own primary school facilities - all registered at and regulated by Kenya's Childrens Department which carries out annual inspections.

Livestock is kept - goats and a cow. Crops are grown - maize, sweet potatoes, beans - all with the objective of self sufficiency.

Electricity is currently from a solar source but hopefully the 'wire' will reach the site soon. Future plans also include a secure perimeter wall, and local support for Mama Sweetie as the project develops and encompasses more activities.

Ailsa ended by thanking our Club for great support over the years.

Andrew Clark, chair of our International Committee then announced the intention for next year of funding four of Visoi's older children to attend High School while President Peter presented Ailsa with our cheque for £1,000 to assist the work and help develop the facilities.

Following a series of questions from our members, Andrew Howard gave the Club's vote of thanks to Ailsa.