From left to right: Sam Macreadie, Shuyeb Ahmed, Yameen Ahmed, Mohammed Natha, Alastair Gordon, Gabbi Cuffin, Annabel Harvey, Safiya Hussain, Wil Parkinson, Mehnaz Satvilker, Joe Barnes, Samantha Hepworth, Theo Roberts, Sarah Pickles, James Henaghan, Beth Bradley, Harry Newman, Adam Jones, Lucy Hargreaves, Phil Kitson, Uzair Dadabhai, Andy Buckingham
UGANDA CLASS OF 2017 VISIT
July 2017
TRIP BACKGROUND
By 2017 the trip to Uganda was becoming something of a fixture in the school calendar. This group knew what the project was all about, they had been aware of it as result of lessons in school, assemblies and photographs on the walls of classrooms. They were keen to play their part in developing Good Samaritan and spending time with the children. The focus of this group was to raise enough money in order to build houses on the site, for the teachers. It was something we felt that was required because a large part of their small wage was being spent on renting accommodation (that was of very poor quality). There was enough space on site make this project possible.
FUNDRAISING
With this in mind the group went about the task of fundraising with enthusiasm. Each student was again given a minimum of £250 to raise, but just like previous groups many were able to go beyond this. Memorably, Harry Newman, Adam Jones, Will Parkinson, James Henaghan and Theo Roberts set themselves the challenge of swimming the English Channel 22 miles in the school 25 metre pool. Dr Butler who has been a great supporter of our project was instrumental in making this possible. Lucy Hargreaves used her musical talents to set up and perform in a concert in local church hall that raised over £500. Theo Roberts wrote and starred in a musical play staged in his church which also raised a considerable sum. The group fundraising returned to the idea of a Fashion Show. This was a fantastic success all the more enjoyable because of the involvement of 5 staff members strutting their stuff on the catwalk. The first Afternoon Tea held in Big School was a huge success. The group made cakes and acted as waiters/waitresses on the day. Well over a £1000 was raised by this enjoyable occasion.
ACHIEVEMENTS
With another £10,000 raised is was enough to set about building the houses and refurbishing existing teacher houses close to the school. This group were able to see Good Samaritan really developing into a recognisable primary school. Although the children themselves are still incredibly poor they are passing the Primary exams with amazingly good grades and many a are progressing onto secondary school.
Just like their predecessors they were a fantastic group to be with. They interacted with the children with enthusiasm and fun. They were a privilege to be with and Sam Macreadie my fellow member of staff would wholeheartedly agree.
Andy Buckingham (Trip Leader 2017).
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