Local teachers get set for Uganda trip
LOCAL primary school teachers Ciara Tomkins and Alyssa Keaveney are putting the finishing touches to their fundraising efforts in the hope of jetting off to Uganda this July to take part in the Nurture-Africa teaching placement programme.
‘We’re both teachers who are used to how primary school teaching is done here in Ireland but we wanted an insight to a different type of classroom, it’ll help us understand more about this as much as we’d like to help the children,’ said Alyssa.
Alyssa Keaveney teaches at Ferns national school while Ciara Tomkins teaches in Riverchapel primary school.
‘We can’t wait to see out the school year and head off on that last day of school to Uganda,’ said Alyssa.
It is the mission of Nurture Africa to nurture the physical and emotional development of children in Uganda who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDs, by providing access to healthcare and education for the most vulnerable children in order to lead productive lives and become positive influences on society.
The charity began in 2003 and the teacher placement programme is only available to qualified teachers or student teachers.
‘We’ve always wanted to do something like this and Nurture Africa seemed like the perfect opportunity,’ said Alyssa.
Both Alyssa and Ciara must raise €2,000 each to take part and so far they are close to meeting the mark.
‘We’ve both been overwhelmed by the support. We’re delighted and we can’t thank the people enough,’ said Alyssa.
They have held a coffee morning at James Tomkins garage in Gorey, which was attended by Connacht rugby player Paul Boyle.
They have also done a bag pack at Tesco Gorey as well as holding a table quiz in the rugby club.
If you would like to know more about the programme or how to donate to Alyssa or Ciara, you can email alyssa.keaveney@hotmail. com.