It’s taken a while, but the improvements to the school in the Philippines are slowly being done.

Some practical aspects of the exercise proved to be quite difficult. For example, Filipinos don’t build things like this using Australian contractual arrangements. They buy some materials and pay workers 200 pesos a day to build what they want. When the money runs out they just stop and the project sits there until they can find some more, when they’ll build another bit. So it took a while to get a reasonably precise description of the works and a firm quote.

Once that had been accomplished it took more time and effort to work out how to transfer the money. I had naively suggested sending it to the school bank account but they don’t have one, or at least not one that they can use for this kind of transaction. I transferred some from my bank to the school principal’s bank but the bank fees were horrendous: $20 at this end and a cool 10% of the total sum at the other end. I ended up sending it through a commercial transfer company which was reasonably priced but not something a firm of auditors would have liked.

Anyway it’s up and running now as you can see. At least the kids and teachers won’t get wet and muddy now when it rains, or at least not as muddy as they used to get. I’ve also sent 300 bags so all the kids will have something to use to carry their bits and pieces, and I’ll send some other stuff soon. Again the cost is appalling - about $30 flag fall plus $10 a kilo via Australia Post - so I’m being very selective in what goes in the box.

Many thanks to all who were so generous with donations. I can assure you that the money has made a significant impact and will continue to do so.