The first two pictures shown below were taken when we first met this family and the second two were taken just before the renovation began.  Not shown in the pictures is the appalling state of the roof which was of straw with very large gaps.  The floors were of packed mud and cooking was done on the floor on a two burner gas ring despite the presence of small children.

The first step in upgrading this family’s living conditions was to buy a double bed and mattress so that the children no longer needed to sleep on the floor.  This was done several months ago.  The next phase was to try and please the family and still get the maximum benefit from the donation in terms of improved living conditions.  First the roof beams and the thatch were replaced making the roof weather proof and then the mud floors were covered with a layer of concrete.  A covered porch was then added before the whole place was then repainted.    The icing on the cake for the family was the provision of a new cooker.  This was the first cooker that the family had ever owned and all the neighbours came to see it.  The joy is evident on the mother’s face.