Having been built originally in 1950, the primary school building in Idete was in desperate need of refurbishment. In late 2019, that project was successfully completed in collaboration with the local community.
The long-awaited project received much support from the villagers and district authorities, with the village women running a rota to deliver water to the building site, and when rain made the local roads impassable, the villagers stepped in with 'all hands on deck' to deliver materials from the vehicle. A true display of one of Lyra's key values 'Recognising the energy and creativity of rural communities.'
Lyra's founder, Maria says of the project :
"Every family we have ever worked with, has been striving tirelessly to secure a better life for their children. We are always amazed by how generously the community contributes to construction of girls' dormitories, despite low family incomes. Women and men, old and young, entrepreneurs and subsistence farmers - all with the same drive to improve their lives."
At the opening in November 2019, the whole village took part in the celebrations - recognising the lasting investment for the Idete community. Since its opening in November 2019, 244 children and 6 teachers have benefitted from the new school building, and Government has promised to refurbish 2 other buildings in the school. The construction was generously supported by the Michael Matthews Foundation, a long-term partner with Lyra.
(Pictured: Maria, Lyra's founder with the District Executive Director and students and villagers officially open the classroom)