15/02/2025
Announcement - Closing of Buturi Charity
The school building for the Buturi Academy has unfortunately been severely damaged over the past few years due to the effects of more extreme flooding and drought. There are now huge cracks in several walls and there is a serious risk that the walls and roof of the building could collapse.
We’ve been investigating the problem and options to remediate. We’ve consulted with three builders, all of whom have sadly advised that the foundation is not adequate to justify repair of the walls. It is with sad hearts that we concede that the building needs to be safely demolished. The safety of the children and teacher who use this building are our priority, so we know it is the right thing to do but it feels very disappointing.
In recent months, we've extensively explored all options about what to do next and have come to the conclusion that there’s no viable path forward for the charity. We have been advised that to rebuild a school at present would cost at least £20,000. The Board of Trustees have considered this and realise that we are unlikely to achieve this sum. From careful reflection of this situation, we have therefore decided that the time has come to close down the charity. We would dearly have loved to see Judith’s and Bibi’s vision of the school come to fruition but unfortunately it has proved too challenging.
We are fiercely proud of the work that has been done over the years by many friends of Buturi to make a difference to this small community. We and the community of Buturi are very grateful for all the support from each of you.
We’re deeply proud of the work of The Buturi Project, and hope that the legacy of Judith and Bibi’s work will show in the seeds of connection and community power that have been sown and the education provided thus far by Karoline, nurtured by the water you all helped to supply through by the Buturi borehole.
Thank you all very much for your support. It has meant more than we can put into words. We really hope you understand that this has not been an easy decision.
