Pupils were literally buzzing with excitement at John Henry Newman School on Friday for an annual school-wide goo-tastic ‘I’m a teacher, get me out of here’ event, which is set to raise some £40,000 for children in Africa.
Each year the Stevenage school comes together for a dedicated week of events to drum up cash for the Kiddies Support Scheme charity – which helps provide education, health care and pastoral support for children in Uganda.
Since 1994 the school has raised more than £250,000 for KiSS – and this year’s week of events, including cake sales, a fancy dress day and a talent night, will add to that total.
On Friday, teachers took to the stage to test their tolerance when faced with bowls of gunge, goo cakes and buckets full of grim-looking goo – and more than one member of staff got a good gunging in the process.
Headteacher Clive Mathew said: “It’s lovely that the pupils have the chance to take ownership of a charity that was founded by the school almost 25 years ago.
“Our head boy and girl spent Christmas in Uganda and it helped them understand that a very small amount of money can change children’s lives there.”
KiSS trustee and JHN teacher Joe Hewitson, who first got involved in the charity while himself a student at the school, braved eating cake made of goo. He said: “It’s life-changing for the children in Uganda. We’ve got 167 children being sponsored through their education and associated costs.
“It’s very humbling to know everything that’s been done over the years, and it’s incredible and inspiring what the kids do every year. It showcases their talents.”
The event was run by the school’s head boy and head girl with the help of their team of assistants.
The school would like to thank the following businesses for donating raffle prizes – Stevenage’s Mr Mulligan’s Lost World Golf, El Bar de Tapas, Hollywood Bowl Stevenage, Little Willow, and Lambert’s Grill, Hitchin’s Bar Azita and Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant, and Tanique in Letchworth.
To find out more about the charity and how you can get involved, visit kiddiessupportscheme.org
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