You are here: News & Events » Charity News Archive » Rotarians walk to build new school
Rotarians walk to build new school
Primary School children in Sierra Leone
On Wednesday 19th September, Braintree Rivers Rotary Club organised a BBQ in support of fellow Rotarians walking 280 miles from the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, via ferry between Harwich and the Hook of Holland, to Leeuwarden in Northern Holland.
The Rotarians from rotary clubs in Surrey and Sussex, along with partners and friends, are walking to raise over £50,000 to build a new school, toilet and washing facilities for up to 700 children who live at the refugee camp in Grafton, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
The project developed following a chance meeting in 2006 between Rotarians from District 1250 and members of "The Foundation Solidarity with Sierra Leone" based in Leeuwarden, Holland. The foundation has been providing the War Wounded Community Primary School at Grafton with money for the purchase of food, to enable all children to receive a free school lunch. At this meeting, the Rotarians decided to provide immediate help to the school by donating a cup, plate and spoon for each child along with new cooking pots.
Existing School Building
The existing School is a single story mud block building, built in 2005 following the collapse of the original school tent. Although the improvised leaking roof was replaced and doors and windows were fitted in September 2006, the small building is still inadequate for the needs of up to 700 children and 8 teachers.
The walk to raise funds for the new school building and facilities commenced in London on 16th September and following a day's walking from Good Easter to White Notley on the 19th, the Rotarians arrived in Braintree. Members of Braintree Rivers Rotary Club played host to the group of tired hungry walkers, and Rotary 1240 District Governor Brian Piccolo. Everyone enjoyed the BBQ food and drink provided in the relaxed atmosphere of Nick and Bridie's barn.
The walk ends in Leeuwarden on the 29th September 2007, where a reception has been organised by members of "The Foundation Solidarity with Sierra Leone".
[released September 2007]
