Willesley Primary School – Ashby De La Zouch
I was invited by Alison, one of the teachers, who is the daughter of a Rotary colleague to do a presentation at the school’s Africa Awareness Day on 22nd May.
On arrival I spoke briefly to Alison’s class and answered some questions about Sierra Leone. This was followed by back to back assemblies and then a Q & A session with all the year 5 children.
The children were really attentive and I was asked some really good questions. We then went out to the playground where some year 6 pupils had drawn a large map of the outline of Sierra Leone on the floor. Unbeknown to me all 420 children had been asked to bring loose change with them so they could fill the outline with coins.
When I got home that evening Alison had emailed me to say this had raised an AMAZING £360! This was rounded up by the school to £500.
Having held discussions with the school it was decided that their money would be used to fund the installation of the junior school handwash station at Liverpool Community School.
A 3,000 litre water tank collects water from the toilet block roof, a pipe then feeds to the tap on the nearby sink unit located by the junior school toilet block – a GREAT bonus for the children.
Liverpool Community School
10 days ago I sent the money so that the rainwater harvesting & handwash stations could be installed on the 2 toilet blocks & the work is now complete.
Solomon, the headteacher says – “Both the Board and staff welcome the idea of the handwash stations as we regard it as a necessity for both the junior and senior schools.
Basic day to day hygiene is an issue for the school children and the rainy season is always associated with an increase in water borne diseases such as diarrhoea and Cholera.
The provision of the handwash stations will reduce the risks and we welcome all your support for this project”. The staff show how it is done !!
The first handwash station is in use within a week of funds being sent. This is a major step forward for the school and will help reduce the risk of illness and improve general sanitation hygiene.
