Recent developments

10th ANNIVERSARY

In early March volunteers celebrated the 10th anniversary of the founding of School-Aid. Our founder, and Chairman, Joy Baker, arranged for more than 30 volunteers to visit the Middle Temple, including the church, the Great Hall and adjacent rooms, and have lunch on the high table in the Great Hall. It was a memorable occasion and a chance for volunteers to meet and get to know each other more.

ARRIVAL OF LATEST SHIPMENT TO ZIMBABWE

The latest shipment to Zimbabwe left the warehouse in October and arrived in Harare in early January. The contents of the shipment went to St Mary's School in Kwekwe and the Kwekwe Education Centre, and were warmly received by the pupils and the local Education Officer.

SHIPMENT TO ERITREA

On 8 December 2007 a 20-foot container, filled with primary and secondary books and sports equipment, with a few desks and chairs, went off to Eritrea. This was sponsored by Anseba Development, which was founded in the UK to further educational aims in the Anseba district of Eritrea. It currently supports 200 schools and libraries.

EVERTON AND ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM UP FOR TEMBISA LEARNERS

Everton FC coach Tony "Tosh" Farrell declared himself astounded by the skills and quality of play shown by learners in Tembisa. School-Aid volunteers based in Johannesburg had arranged for representatives of the English Premiere League club, together with local 'Orlando Pirates' players Thulani Lukhele, Tsietsi Mkhwanazi and Thulani Maseko, to spend a day coaching soccer at Allanridge Combined School in Rabie Ridge, Tembisa. Learners were also thrilled to view a dedicated video message from Everton South African player, Steven Pienaar; receive brand new Everton strips; and master the famous "EV-ER-TON" chant. The club representatives, over for the SOCCEREX conference in Johannesburg, were keen to connect with local talent. Their wish (and many a learner's dream!) was made reality by School-Aid working with ABSA Capital and ABSA's partner volunteer programme who provided 200 lunchboxes as well as crucial logistical and other support. What a way to end the school year!!

UMQUELE LIBRARY

The new library, supported by School-Aid, is now built and in operation.

20-FOOT CONTAINER LEAVES FOR TANZANIA

On 27 September another 20-foot container left for Tarime in the Mara region of North Tanzania, thanks to the cooperation of associated Tanzanian charities, in particular the Wavumbuzi Charity. The contents of the container included secondary school books, computers and furniture. Thanks go to all the volunteers who assisted in packing and loading this shipment.  

THANK YOU LETTERS FROM MARY WARD SCHOOL, KWEKWE, ZIMBABWE

Some lovely thank you letters have been received from pupils at the Mary Ward School, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. Click here to see the letter.

SPORTING CHANCE DELIVERS EQUIPMENT AND LOTHING TO NYANGA TOWNSHIP

In August Brad Bing of Sporting Chance delivered sports equipment and clothing the Nyanga Township. In his words " they were over the moon and were enormously grateful for receiving this".

TOYS BRING JOY TO CHILDREN THROUGH THE PEBBLES CHARITY IN SA

Toys donated by Barts and the London Hospital, and others were distributed to children through The ebbles Project, a small charity in Cape Town serving children with special educational needs from the Western Cape.