Inspiring Hester shortlisted for work in aid of blind school
A local schoolgirl has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for her work in Ethiopia.
Hester Poole, from Bath, has been shortlisted to win a coveted humanitarian honour at the Bond International Development Awards 2020.
The 11-year-old schoolgirl, who has been registered blind since birth, has been nominated for her fundraising work with Ethiopiaid, raising funds to support a school for the blind in Ethiopia.
Hester organised a charity music concert and took part in a 5k run in Addis Ababa, before meeting pupils at the school she was supporting.
Hester was delighted to be shortlisted. She said: “This is very lovely news. I feel honoured and pleased to be raising awareness about the huge challenges and the importance of education for blind children.
“My greatest hope for the future is that the children I met at the Mekele Blind School will be able to lead happy, successful and independent lives.”
Hester and her supporters helped to raise more than £27,000 for the school in Ethiopia.
Lisa Cousins from Ethiopiaid said: “We are so proud of Hester and delighted that she has been shortlisted for this award.
“She is an inspiring young woman who is compelling others to join her in making a difference.
“Her fundraising to support the visually impaired children at the Mekele Blind School prompted us to make her our first youth ambassador for Ethiopiaid.
“She wants dignity and opportunity for all visually impaired children. She is inspiring, selfless and dedicated to whatever she sets her mind to, and we are truly lucky to have her championing our work.”
Hester is joined by two other deserving finalists in this category, with the overall winner due to be announced on Monday.