A teacher at St George’s School Windsor Castle raised more than £1,000 over the summer to purchase resources for two children’s facilities in Arusha, Tanzania, where she spent a month working as a volunteer.
Emily Ralfe, a Year 4 teacher and head of the school’s Eco Club, made the appeal to parents, family and friends in advance of travelling to the east African country in August, raising far beyond her initial target of £250.
Ralfe used the money to purchase teaching resources and food, both for a day care centre looking after around 40 children, and for the Destiny Foundation orphanage for disabled children, both in Arusha. The money also funded maintenance work, including the construction of a new perimeter wall at the day care centre to improve security.
Reflecting on the self-funded trip, which was organised through International Volunteer HQ and the Tanzania Host Experience, Ralfe said, “It was an incredible experience and one which completely put life into perspective. No matter what adversity the staff and children were facing, they were always smiling. Their courage and resilience was awe-inspiring and we’ve already made contact since my return and agreed to exchange letters, so I very much look forward to finding out what the future holds for them all.”
In addition to Ralfe’s philanthropic endeavours, David Osborn, the school’s maintenance assistant had an adventure of his own over the summer. Along with his two brothers, Osborn travelled over land and sea to the lesser known Estonian island of Hiiumaa to cycle 100 miles in aid of Cancer Research UK. One of a number of bike rides Osborn has organised and completed for the charity since losing both his father and step-parents to the disease, he this year raised over £250, taking his total for the organisation to almost £2,000.
“I am so proud of the incredibly generous, selfless and above all else, kind, team we have here at St George’s,” commented William Goldsmith, the school’s head. “Whether through significant personal achievements such as these, or the often unseen actions our talented staff take day in and day out to nurture our students and help them to become ready to face the challenges of the modern world, the team as a whole is a real testament to our values of courage, honesty and kindness.”
Even Olive, the school dog, walks the talk. On the 18 September, Olive, along with Allison Onions, the school’s head of safeguarding and mental health, Anna Moriarty, day matron, and her dog Pippa will take part in the Muddy Dog Challenge Windsor in aid of Battersea Dogs Home. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause, can find out more at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/4feet8paws.
