Retired Prestatyn postman opens new school in Kenya

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/14 ... kenya.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A RETIRED Prestatyn postman travelled to Africa and took it upon himself to create a school.

Ronald Cavie, aged 66, first went to Kenya in 2009. After enjoying a walk, he came across a school called Little Angels in the village of Shanzu. Mr Cavie, who has two daughters Rachel and Julie and a son, Martin, decided to offer his support the school and visited the venue every year for four years.

In 2012 he struck up a friendship with Lilian Pendo, a teacher at Little Angels. The school was becoming overcrowded and there was a need for another school. Mr Cavie offered his assistance.



Ms Pendo had found a building about a mile away. Work started on transforming the build into a school and St Ronnie’s Academy was founded.

Mr Cavie, a member of the Prestatyn and Rhyl Lions, said: “I met Lilly at the school on one of my visits.

“The building was a house, but we knew it was ideal. We spent a lot of time cleaning and putting in windows for light as there is no electric as yet. We painted it inside and out with the help of some locals who gave up their free time and then we managed to get a carpenter to make six desks and a chalkboard. We bought two charcoal stoves for cooking and the children have two meals a day.”

Earlier this month, the school celebrated its first birthday. Mr Cavie explained that pupil numbers are at 70. The school also has four teachers and Lilly Pendo is headteacher.

“We started off with nine and then in just four weeks we had 30 pupils which was amazing,” he added. “Over the past 12 months, we have managed to fit out another two classrooms, piped in fresh water and bought mattresses for the children to sleep on and all the pupils now have uniforms.”

Improvements are continuing at the school and Mr Cavie has been carrying out numerous fundraising activities to help aid the school.

Mr Cavie will talk about his project for the Prestatyn Ladies Fellowship at the Prestatyn Parish Community Hall on Thursday, February 12.