SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES: Children raising money for Nepal

SCHOOLS across Somerset are joining forces to raise money for communities affected by the devastating recent earthquakes in Nepal.

The idea of a county-wide fundraiser was suggested by the Student Council at the Blue School in Wells and quickly won the support of the two groups that represent primary and secondary school headteachers across Somerset.

All schools were initially invited to take part in a dress down or ‘mufti’ day to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). More than 130 schools have already signed up and some are organising their own alternative fundraising events.

For example, at Hambridge Primary School, pupils from Reception to Year 5 are walking the distance from Kathmandu to Mt Everest and back, while Year 6 pupils are climbing and descending a local hill the equivalent of scaling Mt Everest.

PHOTO – TOP: Pupils from Kilmersdon Primary School near Radstock dressed up as superheroes to raise money for Nepal.

Mark First School are ‘filling a sock with change’ while Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet have organised a ‘Step up Everest’ event. Other schools are holding cake sales and other events to raise as much money as possible.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s children and families spokesman, said: “This is a wonderful gesture by our schools to do something to help all those affected by the devastating events in Nepal.

“The idea came from the students themselves and they deserve a huge amount of praise for rallying together in this way. I love how the idea has escalated and now we have children taking part in all sorts of fantastic fundraising activities.

“I wish them every success with their efforts and hope they can raise lots of money to support the millions of people still suffering in the wake of this disaster.”

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, leaving at least 7,500 people dead, injuring more than 14,000, and leaving millions more in urgent need of food, water, shelter and medical care.

The country was then rocked by a further earthquake of 7.3 magnitude on May 12, 2015. For more information about the DEC appeal, please visit www.dec.org.uk.

If you would like to add to the schools’ fundraising efforts, you can send a cheque to payable to The Blue School and sent to The Finance Office (Appeal for Nepal), The Blue School, Kennion Road, Wells, BA5 2NR.

Tags:
Schools and Colleges.