Race is on to raise cash for Africa trip
Senior pupils want to hand over school uniforms
Two Stonelaw High pupils are aiming for the educational trip of a lifetime - if they can raise enough money.
Emma Murray, of S5, and Navneet Kaur Bhatia, of S6, could travel to South Africa to experience a taste of life there, as well as give school uniforms to a local school.
The trip would be the latest venture in Stonelaw’s long running partnership with Ikusasalethu High School in Mtubatuba, which started in 2003.
However the pupils must raise enough money to fund the travelling expenses.
They have now organised a race night for this Saturday, which will be held at the Masonic Hall on Melrose Avenue.
Teacher Sapna Joshi explained: “Both schools have enjoyed great learning benefits from varied joint global curriculum projects over the years.
“Voices for Change began with learners analysing songs of protest and developed into collaborative activities on Gender Respect.
“Through participating and sharing in the Inspire-Aspire values programme, ‘Global Citizens in the Making,’ learners gain insight into each other’s contexts, challenges and perspectives and also find out that, as teenagers, they have a lot in common.
“Since 2009 visits have taken place between the schools with teachers and pupils from Stonelaw going to Ikusasalethu and teachers from Ikusasalethu coming to Stonelaw.
“These visits have strengthened educational and friendship links.”
The girls themselves are excited about their possible trip.
Navneet said: “I am most looking forward to going to the school and meeting all the pupils and staff.
“Teachers from Ikusasalethu that have visited Stonelaw in the past have had the chance to experience our culture, and I am really looking forward to experiencing theirs.”
Over the years Stonelaw has raised over £200,000 for the partnership, with the money going towards uniforms for the African children, many of whom are AIDS orphans and are living in poverty.
Entry to the race night is £5, with each bet costing £1. The evening starts at 7.30pm.
The girls have also set up a JustGiving page for anyone who wants to contribute that way.
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ stonelaw-high for more information.