Pupils efforts to make sure others are getting a chance
GREGOR FARQUHARSON
Pupils and staff at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School took an interesting pledge to experience some traits of life of those less fortunate.
Staff and S6 pupils ate nothing but porridge for five days, mirroring that of the pupils in the Mary’s Meals school they sponsor in Malawi. And in doing so, they raised money for them too.
As part of their porridge pledge, those taking part raised over £3000 in funds for the school in Malawi.
Jacqueline Nelson, RMCE teacher at the school, said: “At the beginning there was excitement but also nerves. A few of them expressed concern that they didn’t know how they would feel eating porridge every day but were also excited at the challenge and the potential to raise money for such an amazing charity.
“We sponsor a school in Damu, Malawi and we have to raise just under £4000 every year to ensure that the children there are fed.“
This is a huge and wonderful commitment that allows us to really think about the needs of others and to live out the word of God in our daily lives by putting others before ourselves.”
Altogether about 100 members of the school community took part. Some parents even joined in to support their children, and a group of pupils in first year joined in for the last 24 hours.
S6 pupil Lucy Wright said : “The pledge brought such a sense of camaraderie, that we were all working together towards a common goal, all doing our own little bit to raise awareness about the plight of those less fortunate.”
Many pupils found the experience eye-opening, as it allowed them to see the everyday struggles that children in Malawi go through.
S6 student, Jerline Jose, said: “It was a different experience altogether. It made me think of life on a bigger scale.
“It made me realise the suffering and hardships many families go through especially the kids my age or younger. This encouraged me to think about them more and help them in any way that I can.”
Head teacher Fiona Mullen said: “This is an outstanding achievement for all the staff and pupils who took part in this challenge.
“The whole school and parish communities got behind them, raising such a tremendous amount for Damu. We are so proud of all their efforts.”
As the event was such a success, there are plans in the future for the school to make the porridge pledge an annual event.
Jacqueline said: “If you had asked us on Friday if it would become an annual event the response may have been different, but absolutely yes, we will be doing this again and hopefully it will grow so that all year groups are involved.”