Back in March, students raised £600 for our partners in the DRC by wearing their own clothes to school. This was used by PSM (our link charity) to purchase old motorbikes, motorbike parts and tools, and to pay for the wages of a teacher of motor vehicle maintenance. This micro-finance approach to our partnership means that the rescued boy soldiers will be able to receive training, eventually becoming selfsufficient, and the motorbikes will be sold on at a profit to fund further projects.
In addition to giving money, students brought in almost 100 pairs of old reading glasses. These were warmly received by Dr Bukanzi of the Butembo Anglican Medical Centre, who sent his thanks to students through a small video clip. In the clip he said he was pleased that the glasses would enable patients to read the Bible.
During the SIAS inspection our trainee teachers led all of Year 7 in a crosscurricular Congo day. Elements of the curriculum such as art, geography, history, languages and PE were delivered around the theme of raising awareness for the DRC. The students enjoyed a fun filled day of learning, raising almost £500 for the partnership.
