4th Quarterly Update – 2024

Marybert School Project

As many of you know, Marybert School and Hostel has been at the centre of the charity’s work since the very beginning of the project, when Leander first met Sabina and the Marybert team, while looking for a safe place for Anita to live. That was back in 2007.

In the years that followed, 35 students followed in Anita’s footsteps and were sponsored by MySmallHelp to attend Marybert School for their safety, welfare, and education. We are now so proud to see the results, with many of these students graduating and establishing productive and happy lives. We know what a big difference Marybert made. Marybert School currently provides education to 90 children, most of whom come from low-income families.

MySmallHelp has been a consistent supporter of Marybert over the years with numerous projects completed to upgrade facilities. We have got to know Sabina very well and earlier this year we all agreed that there was a great opportunity to take our partnership to the next level. Reflecting this, Raju, Pramila and Binod have recently joined the Management Board of Marybert School, and a new independent Chairman appointed.

Alongside our work with the child sponsorship programme, we’ve made support for Marybert a priority this year as we see this as one of the best ways to help the poor and under-privileged children that Marybert and MySmallHelp were both founded to serve.

For this quarter’s newsletter, we thought we’d update you on the projects we have already completed at Marybert in 2024. Thank you so much for your generous donations that have made this work possible:

Provide decks and benches for classrooms and improve ground floor toilets
Refurbish and paint existing classrooms, complete repairs to water system and 3 toilets
Build a computer lab and refurbish the external appearance of the school

We are busy working on plans for 2025 and look forward to sharing these ideas with you in future newsletters. In the meantime, we’re pleased to share an update on the three phases of renovation we’ve completed so far:

Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Marybert School project was focused on enhancing school operations and facilities to ease the workload on Sabina Thapa, the school’s founder, owner, and principal, who had been managing a multitude of roles single-handedly. The upgrades aimed to streamline administrative processes, improve student and teacher experiences, and allow Sabina to focus more on core educational responsibilities.

Key improvements in Phase 1 included:

1. Hiring an Account and Admin Staff:

With funding from MySmallHelp, the school brought on Rubina Shrestha. Rubina’s role is vital, as she manages school accounts, liaises with parents, and ensures financial transparency, thus significantly lightening Sabina’s load.

2. Implementing a School Management ERP System:

This software, costing $230 per year, was introduced to manage all financial transactions, maintain school records, and track student progress. This system is instrumental in improving accountability and providing clear insights into the school’s financial health and student performance.

3. New Classroom Furniture:

The school replaced old furniture by purchasing 20 new sets of desks and benches at a cost of $1,923, enhancing the classroom environment for students.

4. Renovating Toilet Blocks:

To ensure proper hygiene and comfort, the toilet blocks for both boys and girls were fully renovated, costing $3,846.

These upgrades represent a meaningful investment in Marybert School’s infrastructure and administration, establishing a solid foundation for continued improvements and a more balanced workload for Sabina and her team.

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Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Marybert School Project focused on significant renovations and upgrades, primarily targeting the first floor where the classrooms are located. With a budget of $6,300, this phase aimed to improve the school environment, address essential repairs, and provide a fresh, organized look for the school community. Key upgrades made during this phase include:

1. Renovation of Three Toilet Blocks:

Renovations covered separate toilet facilities for teachers, students, and hostel children, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for all.

2. Reconfiguring Water Supply and Tanks:

To support reliable access to water, improvements were made to the school’s water supply system and tanks, addressing a crucial daily need.

3. Cleaning and Painting Classrooms:

All classrooms received a fresh coat of paint, creating a vibrant, inviting atmosphere for students and teachers.

4. Storage Solutions for Students and Classrooms:

Six new cupboards were added for school bags, and thirteen blue boards were installed in classrooms to enhance organization and learning.

5. Repairing Kitchen Floor:

The kitchen floor was fixed, ensuring safe and hygienic conditions for meal preparation

6. Structural Repairs:

Areas with falling debris were repaired, adding to the safety and integrity of the school building.

7. Redesigning the School's Aesthetics:

A designer was involved to give the school a new look, adding visual appeal and a refreshed atmosphere.

8. Installation of an Electronic School Bell:

An electronic bell was installed to streamline school routines and improve time management.

Phase 2 marks a major improvement in both infrastructure and ambiance, creating a more organized, safe, and engaging learning environment at Marybert School.

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Phase 2 marks a major improvement in both infrastructure and ambiance, creating a more organized, safe, and engaging learning environment at Marybert School.

Phase 3

Phase 3 of the Marybert School Project focused on critical structural and aesthetic improvements to the school’s exterior and facilities. With a budget of $14,100, these upgrades aimed to enhance durability, prevent water issues, and modernize the building’s appearance, creating a better environment for students and staff. Key elements of Phase 3 included: