Completed : GILGIL PRIMARY SCHOOL – 2 NEW CLASSROOMS

About the Project

Many new classrooms have been built at Gilgil Primary School, but due to the large number of students, classes are still overcrowded. Two new classrooms need to be built to accommodate the increasing numbers. Additionaly, because of wear, the old classroom block is no longer safe to use.

Edna Patricia Yellowlees passed away gently and peacefully at the age of 96 in Westlock, Alberta, on May 17, 2019. Edna was born on March 17, 1923 on a farm near Crossfield and spent her childhood years in the Crossfield area with parents Thomas and Nellie Tredaway and older sister Winnie. Following high school graduation, Edna attended normal school in Calgary, which led to several teaching posts in rural Alberta—Glenevis, Canyon and East Majorville. She then earned her degree as a dietitian at UBC, an accomplishment that gave her great satisfaction.

Edna interned at Toronto General Hospital and worked in Victoria and Calgary for several years. Following a brief courtship, Edna married her husband David John in 1953 and together they enjoyed family life on the farm, working hard and always active in their Acme community until 1980, when they retired to Innisfail. Edna and John embraced their new community and their years of retirement were highlighted with many memorable trips to England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, South Africa, plus frequent road trips in their motorhome throughout Alberta and Arizona. After John’s passing in 1992, Edna remained in Innisfail for a number of years, then relocated to Calgary and continued to enjoy life and solo travels across Canada, Australia and Iceland, with a special fondness for the Northwest Territories. In 2013, Edna relocated once again to Westlock, where her eldest daughter Marjorie and family reside. Edna had longed to be back in a rural setting and was immediately at home in her new surroundings.
Edna was a friend to all and a woman of deep faith and conviction. She was a trailblazer–active, generous, strong, determined, hardworking, enthusiastic, curious, disciplined and unafraid to try new things. Her zest for living was contagious and she enjoyed a good laugh. Walking in the beauty and fullness of nature was one of her favorite activities when she was able; later it was equally enjoyable from her wheelchair. Edna was community-minded, an advocate for leading a healthy lifestyle and a champion for higher education and environmental issues. Most of all, Edna had a deep love for her family. She never missed a birthday or anniversary and regularly brought us all together for family get-togethers; her rhubarb and pumpkin pies were legendary.
Edna’s unwavering grace, gratitude and resilience in her latter years were truly remarkable and an example to us all, her loving family, and we will miss her every day: Marjorie (Fred) Woodcock of Westlock, Jean (Ken) Hergert of Calgary, Heather (Darrel) Sim of Calgary, Helen (Ed) Hoeve of Yellowknife and David (Bev) Yellowlees of Houston; 11 grandchildren: Rebecca (Brad), Travis (Francine), Jeff (Pamela), Christina (Devon), Jaclyn, Joshua, Thys, Nathan, Celena, Stacey (Drew) and Brennan (Lindsay); 8 great-grandchildren: Alyssandra, Jayden, Shayla, Marissa, Kruz, Nevaeha, Gunnar and Willa; her dear nieces and nephews their spouses and families; and her cousins.
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Photos

Edna Yellowlees

New desks delivered

New signage at the school

The finished classrooms!

The finished classrooms and water catchment system 

Nearly completed.
Nearly completed.
Gilgil 2 Classrooms completed except for painting
Gilgil 2 Classrooms completed except for painting
Classrooms nearly completed
Classrooms nearly completed
New roof has been installed.
New roof has been installed.
Walls have gone up
Walls are going up
Walls are going up
Walls are going up
Walls are going up
Foundation work is continuing
Building materials on site
Preparing the foundation
Preparing the foundation
The demolition of the old classrooms at Gilgil is complete.
Old Gilgil Classrooms are being demolished
Old Gilgil Classrooms are being demolished
Old Gilgil Classrooms are being demolished
The old, unsafe classroom block

Quick Facts

Cost: $40,000
Location:  Gilgil, Kenya
Completed: January 2021
Project Manager: Brian Leavitt

Major Donors

Helen Hoeve and family in memory of
Edna Yellowlees (mother of Helen)

Partner Donors