SCHOOLS NEWS
CHILDREN at Alder Grange School were visited by youngsters from a Tanzanian children’s home and choir as part of a charitable tour of Lancashire.
The Bethany Family group come from the Mwanza region of Tanzania and their trip was to raise awareness of the Bethany Family project, which provides care and education to orphaned, abandoned or abused children.
A total of 15 members of the choir took part in an assembly for Year 7 pupils, in which they performed songs and talked about their experiences of living in Tanzania and how they became orphaned.
They also demonstrated how they carry 10-litre buckets of water on their head, a job which girls as young as seven are expected to carry out on a daily basis.
The trip was organised by Year 10 pupil Jane Morrissey, who had previously spent time with the Bethany Family and suggested the visit to the school.
Jane said: “I met the Bethany Family through my church, Goodshaw Baptist Church, and have been on a summer camp with some of the family.
“When I heard they were coming back to the UK I thought it would be really nice for the younger members of the school to meet them and learn all about the cultural differences.
Charlotte Strachan, achievement leader for Year 7 at Alder Grange, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Bethany Choir to Alder Grange.
“It was fascinating learning about their culture and emotional to hear about the struggles they have faced.
“Our pupils have talked about how much they enjoyed the visit and they have now been inspired to undertake some fundraising for the Bethany Family.”