Page 30 - Phonebox Magazine December 2009

NEWton Developments!
The Skills Training Centre
A very big thank you to everyone who has supported us in our efforts to complete the Skills Training Centre in Newton. The work was delayed this summer by the horrendous rains that caused such havoc in West Africa this year but a recent report received from Mabinty and Bakarr informs us that sealing, tiles, windows and doors are now needed to get the building ready for use. We estimate approx £2500 will be needed for this, we have recently raised £1200, ie we are HALF WAY THERE!
The plan is to start the skills training with IT and we have been able to send a PC and funds for an electricity supply. Our aim now
is to get an internet connection into Newton. This involves a set up cost of approx £300 and then a monthly payment of £30. The achievement of this would also overcome the communication problems
experienced between the schools in Olney and Newton.
The Pancake Race
We are delighted that, all being well, Newton will also be holding a Pancake Race this year! The exact nature of the pancakes is as yet unclear and such an event is, to say the least, unusual in Sierra Leone but what an experience this should turn out to be for both communities.
Just a thought as you plan for Christmas
While on the subject of food I recently exchanged emails with a Sierra Leonean gentleman living in Freetown. My initial enquiry was about the cost of emails which, it transpires, cost him
approx £1, including a reply. Recalling that the average income is £30 a month I enquired further into his lifestyle. His rent: £5/month. In reply to my question “What did you eat yesterday?” the answer was “Tea in the morning, rice for lunch if I have, rice for dinner if I have. If the money is not enough I buy Garrie, the
bottom line is I put something in my stomach. My problem is I don’t like to beg even when times are hard. I have one belief that what God has planned for me will surely come one day.”
The Olney-Newton Link is a community charity. We have very few overheads and do our very best to get all the money you donate to the community of Newton. PLEASE SUPPORT US THIS CHRISTMAS.
For more details of our projects and how to gift a pair of goats to a Newton family please visit our website olneynewtonlink.org.uk.
Rachel Lintern
OLNEY PRIVATE HIRE & TAXI SERVICE
Maureen’s Cars
Maureen’s Cars
Tel: (01234) 712294
Hackney Carriages • Saloon Cars Minibuses • Airports • Business & Pleasure • Courier Service
FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Long or short distances
Email: james@abchomejames.com www.mktaxicabs.com
“A Better Way To Get You There”
B.Sc MCSP AACP
30 Phonebox Magazine