‘It really makes you value the life we have in Britain’ says student
Thoughtful students at Oxlose Academy have been showing their support for the people of Ukraine by raising vital funds and donating supplies for families fleeing the war-torn country.
With the conflict now in its third week, 1.75million people have fled to Poland with thousands more refugees looking for sanctuary in other European countries.
Afterseeingthetragedyunfoldontheirtelevisionscreens, membersoftheSchoolCouncil wanted to show their support and do something to help.
On Friday, the school hosted a Ukraine Day in which students made a donation to wear blue and yellow, the national colours of Ukraine, and donated essential items such as toiletries and sanitary products.
Over £1,000 has been donated to the British Red Cross while donated items are being delivered to refugees by the Newcastle Polish Centre.
The school’s canteen also baked Ukraine-themed cakes, decorated with messages of support.
School Council member, Christiann Pitcairn, 15, said: “Seeing images of the conflict really made me think of the reality that if I was Ukrainian mythreeolderbrotherswould have to fight in the war.
“Lastweekweasked,“what
can we do to help the people of Ukraine”?
"We came-up with fundraisingthroughanon-uniform dayandcollectionswhichwere agreed to straight away.”
Fellow Council member, Nathan Sheridan, 15, added:
“This has really brought the school community together. The students are much more aware of the history of the conflict and feel more able to talk about their concerns about what they see. It really makes you value the life we have in
Britain.”
The day saw hundreds of items donated – enough to fill the school’s minibus.
Headteacher Paula Hegarty said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of parents and students to help others at their time of great need. I am so proud of my students.Wehavehadsomanydonationsthatwehavehadtohire additional transport to deliver our supplies.
"The staff have been amazing, making cakes, Lego
Ukraine badges and coordinating the collections through Head of School Mrs Parkes.”
School Governor and Sunderland City Councillor, Linda Williams,added:“I’msoproud of our school community for their show of support.”