A RETIRED postman has visited the school he founded in Africa for the 10th time.
Ron Cavie, of Prestatyn, has just returned from St Ronnie’s Academy in the village of Shanzu, a suburb of Mombasa in Kenya.
The kind fundraiser enjoyed a sports day while he was out in Africa as well as a end of term party. He also helped support newcomer Patrisha, aged four.
Ron, a father to three grown-up children and grandfather, said: "I have now visited the school 10 times over the past six years and every time, it feels like an extra amazing visit.
Lilly and Ron cutting the cake before handing it out to the children
"When I arrive, the new pupils are so excited.
"Patrisha took to school straight away and after lunch, I took her to the tailor to get her measured for her uniform.
"I found out on my latest visit that a pupil, who was one of the first six years ago and left after a few months to go to a government high school, has passed her exams to go on to nursing college so that is great to know that our old pupils have made good grades and a promising career awaits them."
Ron has spent years fundraising to transform and add to the school, which started off as a derelict building.
In 2012, he struck a friendship with Lilly Pendo, who was a teacher at Little Angels, also in Shanzu.
Little Angels was in danger of becoming overcrowding, so Lilly and Ron set out on a mission and created St Ronnie’s Academy. Lilly is the headteacher at St Ronnie’s.
Ron added: "Seeing Lilly [the headteacher at St Ronnie’s Academy] is so nice. She is there when I land at Mombasa airport at 3.30am. We always have so much to talk about and plan.
"We shop at the supermarket Tuskys then it is off to school with sweets and other treats I buy for the children."
Every last Tuesday of the month, at Central Beach Club on Bastion Road in Prestatyn, there is a quiz evening at 8pm. There is also a raffle and a game of bingo.
All money raised goes to St Ronnie’s Academy.
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