June 2010: In May 2010 Joseph visited the school with Peter Boyling (UTS administrator) and his wife Claire. We found the school beginning its second year of operation. The General Election in Sudan in April had passed off peacefully in the Malek area, but the start date for the new school year had been delayed because state teachers had been deployed on election duties. The state has agreed to pay teachers at our school, and although salaries had not come through in 2009, they were to be paid this year. Over 200 pupils were registered for the new 2010 year, and they were all issued with a new dress as school uniform. The little girl Akon, who we had interviewed as a new pupil last year, was again registered to attend the school this year. We left funds to pay for running costs in the coming few months. We had been saddened to hear that the roof had blown off one of the classroom blocks in March as a result of a freak storm, and were pleased to see that it had already been replaced. But the cost of replacing it used a lot of our funds. We were delighted to hear that the headteacher Elias Bak Bak Anei had decided to start classes for adults this year – the girls will be taught in the mornings and the adults in the afternoons.

December 2009: A church in Switzerland is working more closely with us planning to build a multi-purpose chapel. We continue to need funds for the running of the school and further building work. We are looking into ways as to how to improve the curriculum and need teachers’ trainers and volunteer teachers, either from East Africa or other English speaking countries to come to Malek.
Read more in the Newsletter from December 2009

October 2009: Under Tree Schools AGM: 10th October 2009, 12 – 3 pm, St. Mary’s Church, Barnes, London SW13
Mr Ruedi Gebendinger’s film about the project and the opening of the school will be shown and there will be up-to-date information from Joseph. Rev. Ross Collins, Mr Peter Boyling and Ms Christabel Gairdner will be also sharing about their time in Malek. You will also be meeting the other UTS trustees.
There will be lunch and coffee / tea provided. It would be great if you could join us.
Let Karin and Joseph know, so we get a feel for how many cups to put out!
info(at)under-tree-schools.org or 01562 637 645

April 2009: From 18th to 28th April, five supporters from Europe visited Malek Alel to join in the official opening of the first permanent "Under Tree School". "It was a great privilege for us to be sharing in the culmination of Joseph and Karin's vision to build a primary school for girls." says Christabel in her report of the trip.
Read the reports by Ms Christabel Gairdner and Rev. Ross Collins, Chairman of UTS.

March 2009: Thank you for your generous donations, you have helped us make it possible that the school is about to open. Joseph has been selecting a head teacher, and an administrator, and he will be appointing teachers, male and female. We are very pleased that some of our friends from europe will be able to join the opening ceremonies for the school in the latter half of April.
Read more in the Newsletter from March 2009

November 2008: Joseph is back in Sudan till December. Now the rains have stopped he is buying more materials. And he is buying a truck to save on very high costs of hiring vehicles. The truck will be very useful for the school when it is open. He is seeking a head teacher and other teachers, as well as experienced staff to train them and manage the new school.