The 13th edition of the Tehlička public collection for 2018 was registered with the Slovak Ministry of the Interior in the register of public collections on 23 October 2017 under number SVS-OVS2-2017/035609.

The gross proceeds of the collection amount to €163,310.50. The cost of running the collection was 17.49 percent. Net proceeds €136,902.51. With the funds raised we helped the local inhabitants of Korr gain better access to drinking water and energy, we raised awareness of the importance of education for everyone, and we made specific contributions to the informal and formal education of children and young people.

The collection directly involved more than 99 kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and almost 36 youth and other organizations in villages and towns throughout Slovakia. All participating schools and organizations were sent promotional and background materials, which were used not only for the collection campaign but also as a basis for education and awareness-raising in the area of development aid. As part of the collection, with our consent, schools carried out their own activities that served its purpose.

Everything you supported with your gifts in KORR, KENYA — TEHLIČKA 2018:

1. A new metal water tank was purchased to replace the old rusted and leaking tank. As part of the project, unsuitable sections of piping were also replaced with new ones and the necessary reconstruction works were carried out for its overall renewal. The excavation works were done with the help of the local community, as part of their participation in the project. At the same time, the gutter system of the large hall and its connection to the tank were also repaired, to ensure that it fills during the rains.
   This part of the project significantly improved the rainwater collection system for the Don Bosco Mission and also for the local community in Korr.
2. Renovation of the existing basketball court and benches for spectators — implementation of this activity was delayed because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. A contractor is under contract.
3. Fencing of the football pitch with wire mesh. The football pitch had previously been an open space where young people faced challenges, in particular a punctured ball due to sharp thorns. Young people took part in building the fencing of the football pitch, to the extent of their abilities. The youth now have suitable conditions to play football and develop their sporting talent.
4. For the main hall, 150 metal chairs were purchased and delivered. The metal chairs were chosen with high load-bearing capacity and a long service life in mind. Also delivered were 10 tables and 10 benches, satellite installation, a decoder, hall sound system — 4 centre speakers, 2 microphones, 1 amplifier, 4 speaker stands, a laptop, a 50-inch television and accessories for connecting to a desktop computer. The young people in Korr now have access to a well-equipped hall and can also learn through educational videos.
5. A modern, well-equipped library was set up for primary, secondary and university education. Various learning materials were purchased. Various sports equipment was purchased for indoor and outdoor games. These include — table tennis, a darts board, badminton, footballs, chess… The young people in Korr have better access to relevant study materials and games.
6. Equipping the boarding house with mattresses. 100 mattresses and 100 mattress covers were purchased and delivered to the Don Bosco Mission. Improvement of accommodation for the boys and girls staying in the school boarding house in Korr.
7. Implementation of programmes for young people, such as life-skills vocational training, three times a year during school holidays. Each training session was 3 days long. The training was provided by the organization Stings for Life — Kenya from Nairobi. On average, 43 young people took part in the training, both boys and girls.
8. Improving access to energy by purchasing solar panels and solar batteries. The Don Bosco Mission in Korr is not connected to the national grid and therefore relies on solar energy for lighting. The project includes the purchase of 12 solar panels and 12 solar batteries. So far, only 4 solar batteries have been installed because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The original solar system was planned for a smaller complex of buildings, which has since expanded to include a food distribution point, a kindergarten and a community hall, and so it has become insufficient.
9. Strengthening the position of women by offering seminars and training on: early marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), nutrition, natural family planning and education of girls. Women in Marsabit County experience discrimination and insufficient participation in the development of society because of cultural and social limits in the community. This is mainly due to early marriages, female genital mutilation, dropping out of school early and limited access to information about their sexual and reproductive health. Several women have, however, overcome these limits by coming together through the Catholic Women’s Association at the Korr Mission and forming a self-help group (Fatima Women Group). The project worked closely with the leaders and members of this group as one of the ways of reaching women in the community. The seminars were also enriched by the participation of a local health envoy from Marsabit County. Women and girls shared their life experiences with other women and girls, and in this way they enriched and supported one another. The seminars were held in the towns of Farakoreni, Lapendera, Lokichula, Legima, Ngurunit and Korr. Field activities took place on Friday afternoons — they included discussions with community volunteers about treatment and raising health awareness. The community appreciated access to health services, since most of the government dispensaries are closed due to a lack of medicines.
10. The project also included support for a group wanting to operate a maize mill (Posho mill) at Don Bosco Korr. They provide services that members of the local community need, and in so doing they also secure an income for themselves. The proceeds from this activity will be part of the sustainability of the project and will allow them to continue raising the awareness of other women about the issues that affect them.

WE THANK ALL DONORS AND PARTICIPANTS FOR SUPPORTING TEHLIČKA 2018!