Drying Area
Completed by the Kenyan Tea CompanyProject Goal
Taylors, the Yorkshire Tea Company, has a history of generously giving back to the communities that produce their teas. Several years ago, along with their partners from the Kenya Tea Development Agency, they teamed up to support the construction of a project for the collection and storage of rainwater that allows the girls to more easily clean their bedding, clothes and school uniforms. But while the collected rain greatly assisted in the laundering, it was only one part of the project. How do we dry laundry during the rainy seasons, when the rain, by Canadian standards, is torrential?
The Solution
Again, with thanks to Taylors and the KTDA, the effective solution is apparent by the photos following. The structure, open on all sides, allows for good airflow for drying clothes while protecting them from downpours that can happen with little warning. Recognizing that in the past, it was not uncommon for clothes or bedding to be hung on shrubs or laid out on the ground on a hopefully sunny day, the posts and clothesline below the roofing complete the much needed, appreciated and practical project.
Update to Project – 2023
Covers for clothes drying areas and a vehicle port were constructed using materials (tin sheeting, etc.) saved from the old Kinder block. In a previous year, a new Kinder block was built, so in demolishing the old, many materials could be repurposed with a very useful outcome.
The covers are needed as rains can be torrential and strike suddenly, leaving the girls’ clothing and bedding instantly drenched, particularly when they are still in classes. It is difficult to get anything to dry properly in the rainy seasons.
For the vehicles, while rain and wind damage was a factor, include the sun also beating down relentlessly, and you can add the issues of damage to paint and upholstery.
2023 New Drying Area & Vehicle Port
Older Drying Area
