The second two schools at the Gidan Waya site:

Gidan Waya Nursery/Primary School
Giday Waya Secondary School

We traveled from Kafanchan for about 20 minutes in order to reach Gidan Waya, home to Gidan Waya Nursery/Primary School and Gidan Waya Secondary School.  This campus is the newest in the diocese; it was built in 2011 after violence in Kafanchan sent people scurrying for safety.  When the violence passed, people were anxious about sending their children back to the Kafanchan schools, even though they were not in harm’s way.  At that time, a new school site was established far enough away to allay fears.

This site is the most impressive- all of the construction is in good shape.  This is also the home of a newly constructed hospital on the other side of the site.  The hospital was dedicated in April of 2018 and is open to patients year round.

The only immediate project needed for this site is the completion of an exam hall for students to sit for their WAEC exams, similar to our college board (SAT) exams here.  Bishop was able to secure a grant that covered half of the construction- the walls and roof are up- but the interior needs completion. The hall is massive and will hold up to 500 students- refer to the photo.  It will take about $15,000 US to complete the build.

The secondary school is modern by African standards, complete with labs and equipment.  We were able to get inside one of the labs to investigate- see the photo.

The nursery/primary school is quite full; the classrooms are bright and have teaching aids and some limited equipment.  
It is interesting to note that chalkboards are used throughout.  Whiteboards were originally installed but did not last and the markers dried up.  Both items were expensive to replace.  Now the diocese marks out a flat space on the wall and uses chalkboard paint as a blackboard.  The cost is far less and repairs can be made with the sweep of a brush- brilliant!

At the conclusion of this tour, we headed back to the Bishop’s compound by mid-afternoon for a wonderful lunch and then rest.  We were able to get settled into our room and shower- perfect!

The next day would take us to the last three schools, all in the rural areas.