A school block was built in 2006 for the Government run Kasongo Basic school on the road to Cool Bananas farm. Previously the school had only 4 classrooms for 600 children so many were being denied education. The school being built at Cool Bananas will be the only one servicing a community of over 1000 people. The first school block consisting of 4 classrooms was completed in December 2006. The school will open for children at the end of January 2007. We are currently building extra classrooms and staff housing at the local Mandia school next to the Cool Amarula farm. About 35% of the children in the villages are orphans. Our aim is to build orphanage homes, where the children can live in a caring family environment. The homes will have 3 bedrooms for the children, with 2 sets of bunk beds, and a room for the house mother. The houses will be comfortable, with a living room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. Each house will have a budget for food and subsidies for maize and cleaning products etc. We hope that the children will become involved in everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, gardening etc. We will encourage them to grow their own fruit and vegetables in the gardens. A small maize field has been planted in preparation for the first orphanage home We have completed the first home with others to follow.

At the moment only 3% of the village is working. Our aim is to encourage and teach the community to use the resources available and to learn the following disciplines: Grow their own food – fertilizer and seed packs will be provided so they can start learning basic farming skills. Livestock farming - we will provide animals such as goats and chickens. Sewing – sewing machines will be provided. Long term, Cool Bananas and Cool Amarula will be offering hectares of land to reliable, trustworthy farmers for them to manage themselves. Farmers will also be encouraged to dry their own bananas for sale at local markets. There is a great desire for a church to be established in the community. Pastor Isaac did Gospel outreach at the end of 2006 to the village, and many people committed their lives to Jesus. HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB, Cholera and Malnutrition are prevalent in the village. 90% of the children are malnourished. Many die unnecessarily due to the lack of medical care and facilities in the area. A medical clinic will be built to provide health care and medical supplies for the community. The clinic will offer advice on: Health and Hygiene Prevention of STDS and HIV/AIDS Nutrition Family planning Counseling for those affected by HIV/AIDS Alcohol rehabilitation

Building houses, providing tents, blankets, clothing household equipment etc. Providing support and care for the elderly by helping with food, shelter and clothing etc Microfinance schemes are going to be set up for the local women so they can set up their own businesses.     As a development tool, it is believed that it can help people  ( particularly single mothers) move from mere subsistence for daily survival to planning for the future. These women would have been excluded from the traditional financial system on account of their low economic status. It has been proven that Microfinance reduces poverty by increasing income levels.  It empowers women, improves the healthcare and nutrition of the family and improves the living conditions of the household and means the children are more likely to get an education.   To apply for a loan - the scheme requires the formation of a committed group of women to form an association.  The women in the group need to be trusted and respected in their community.  They have to be passionate about the scheme and understand it.  All the members undergo a training programme on the basic procedures of running a business and system requirements etc.  Loans to individuals within the group are approved by its other members and the group is responsible for its repayment.  To minimise the financial burden there are upper limits on the amounts lent and lower limits on the duration of repayment.