Animal Studies students raise the roof with Africa fundraising

A party of staff and students of Myerscough College have been visiting the Shamwari Conservation Experience for a number of years now and they always do fundraising activities prior to their trips to go towards their local community projects.

Ahead of the trip this year, hundreds of pounds was raised which went towards a project of replacing the roof of a school in Alicedale, a small settlement on the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, situated on the banks of the Bushman’s River, called the Khywani Day Care Centre. Enough money was raised to completely finish the project, much to the delight of the staff & students involved.

A spokesperson for the Shamwari Experience said: ‘’It is rare that we are able to take on such a mammoth project, however, in this case because of the incredible fund raising skills of the Myerscough group we have not only taken it on but also completed it.

‘’There has been a total transformation internally as a result, no leaking classrooms or loose plaster, and the entire building is leak free! We have even been able to create an arts and crafts space in one of the rooms which was previously unusable.’’

‘’It is with donations like these that we can make such a big difference for such a long time. Huge thanks to everyone at Myerscough for their continued commitment to making life better for the children in the local vicinity to Shamwari. It really is incredible what you have achieved and the kids of Khywani Day Care Centre and all of us at Shamwari thank you for your generosity and kindness.’’

In addition, more money was raised to pay for a PA system to be installed at the nearby Hendrik Kanise Combined School, as part of a project to help bring the local children together as a community.

The Deputy Principal of the school, Monde Myona, said: ‘’Our deepest thanks for your recent donation to our institution. Generous gifts from donors like you provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission.

‘’Your support has played a key role in our success in enhancing knowledge and opening the world to our learners thus improvement in learner attainment.’’

Tutor, Louise Bell, organises the trip for Myerscough Animal Studies learners and said: ‘’The students work within a well-established project and while they are there will learn new life skills and experience things they couldn’t do anywhere else in the world.

‘’It’s always a great experience for everyone in the group and fantastic to make a difference.’’