Africa in their hearts
A Matamata College teacher and the deputy head girl are heading to a country which is close to their hearts.
‘‘Uganda has been on my heart since I have been a child,’’ Anna Harrison said. The Canadian said her dad did a lot of work there. ‘‘I always told my dad I would go with him someday and then I lost my dad at 15 so it is even more of a motivator to go there.’’
Anna’s mum would be with her for the first three weeks of their adventure. Their trip will be a nice way for them to see what Anna’s dad did, she said.
Deputy head girl, Ashleigh Leuthard, 17, said Africa has always been in her heart as well.
The topic came up in discussion between them, as Anna had already started planning and invited Ashleigh along.
They will be in Uganda from January 6 to April 7 working in schools.
They will implement a new reading programme and pass skills on to teachers. Even though Anna is a NCEA level English teacher, she said it will be a challenge for her. Both Ashleigh and Anna are starting to work with local teachers to prepare to teach primary and intermediate students. They are fundraising so they can present cheques to the schools.
The public can help Anna and Ashleigh by donating. Funds can be placed into their account; the number is 12-3438-0030910-50.