Blog
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Simakakata Community School in 10 photos
Over the past week I’ve uploaded 10 of our favourite photos from Simakakata onto twitter. They tell the current story at the school and explain why permanent classrooms are so important to the community.
Here they are in one batch, plus a bonus photo for you all!
Photographs by our brilliant volunteer Brenda Veldtman.
The Simakakata community borrowed an old farmhouse to get the school up and running. Now the owner wants it back.
At the current school doors are seen as something of a luxury.
Desks are lacking.
But the kids are incredibly happy to have the opportunity to attend school.
They have ambition.
Love to have fun.
And are naturals in front of the camera!
The community have built 20,000 bricks by hand. There are willing to contribute skilled and unskilled labour for free. And another donor even laid some foundations for the first classroom. Then the money ran out.
The government will provide training teachers for free if teacher's houses can be funded. The school currently has one room which two volunteer teachers call home.
And one bonus shot…
A new school would give over 200 children the chance of a better future.
We now need less than £1,000 to get the first classroom off the ground. If you would like to make a donation please click here. Thank you!
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PartyAsOne: New York. Dance for Saviour
Earlier this year Shaun Connell contacted me and offered to throw himself out of a plane for LearnAsOne. Mission recently accomplished Shaun has now set his sights on organising a fundrasing party in New York on 24th October. I’m in awe of volunteers like Shaun. Here’s his story.
Volunteer Shaun
Hi. I’m Shaun. I volunteer because opening access to education is close to my heart. I volunteer because it would be wrong not to. Too many children are subjected to poverty because they do not receive the education and training they need to succeed.
I am really impressed with LearnAsOne and their holistic approach to changing the fortunes of children like Saviour. LearnAsOne is an investment in the future of business and community leaders, teachers, charity workers and medics in the Simakakta community, Zambia and beyond. It’s great that the LearnAsOne investment is fuelled by the continued support of everyday people like you and me.
Live For Today... Plan For Tomorrow... PartyAsOne!
Conversations with Steve inspired me and three friends to setup a not-for-profit company (YAHYAHYAY) and host PartyAsOne in New York on 24th October. PartyAsOne is your chance to party carnival style while raising funds for LearnAsOne. Three of New York’s hottest calypso, soca and reggae DJ’s will help you to dance the evening away onboard the Paddlewheel Queen. Feel free to shake your leg and enjoy the delights of a free buffet supplied by some of the hottest party caterers in New York.
Help make PartyAsOne be a night to remember. Plan to be there. Tickets are available at www.yahyahyay.org.
Tickets reduced to $40 this week only. Get yours now!
Shaun doesn’t just organised parties
I don’t know what scares me more, heights or the effects of no education so I decided to tackle both my completing a 12,800 foot skydive. So far I have raised £615.
My sense of achievement is immense. One second I was perched on the edge of a plane enjoying an amazing view of the sky, the next I was hurtling towards the ground at 130mph. 5 minutes later I was back on the ground celebrating with family and friends. I would like to thank Keith - my jump instructor - and every one who sponsored my jump. We did it together.
If you are based in New York join Shaun on Saturday 24 October and PartyAsOne. Get your tickets at www.yahyahyay.org. And if you’d like to organise your own party please get in touch.