The parents of the pupils mainly work as farm labourers, for example on tea plantations in the surrounding area, for very low wages. Most families live in mud houses without electricity or running water. Initially, the school started on a rented plot of land near Sirende. Lessons took place in two mud houses, each measuring only ten square metres, into which 14 children were crammed. Here, too, there was neither electricity nor running water; it was drawn from the well. 

After the school had to move several times, a new, safer plot of land was found and financed with the help of donations, including from our 2018 appeal for donations, ‘Schools in rural Africa’. The nine-acre former coffee plantation near the old location was found. Due to various factors, construction of the buildings could not begin until four years later – but the school's teachers made do with what they had: they first erected a corrugated iron hut for the kindergarten and school children. At the same time, a school garden was created, which now provides a large part of the vegetables needed for the children's and teachers' daily lunches.

Construction of the school buildings is now in full swing. We are very pleased that, thanks to your donations, we are able to help not only with the purchase of the land, but also with the financing of the classrooms and the kindergarten.

In Sirende, access to health centres and schools is a major challenge for the many households living below the poverty line. Due to this situation, the Humane School is completely dependent on donations.