Pamphill CofE School raise £2,000 for school in Uganda

Pamphill Church of England First School has had a relationship for several years with the Emily Collins School on the outskirts of Kisoro in the south-west of Africa.

The children at Pamphill school wanted to help those students enjoy the same things they had – including school trips and playground equipment.

During the autumn term, they began fundraising, which included sponsored runs, climbs, swims, and cake sales.

The initial target of £250 was quickly exceeded, and by the end of the term, a total of £2,100.35 had been raised.

Headteacher Mike Wheeler said: "This was very much a pupil-led effort, and it's incredible how much they raised considering we are a school of just 74 pupils.

"The school for which Pamphill First raised the money is named in memory of Emily Collins, who went to Africa after extensive cancer treatment.

"She went there to work with vulnerable children who were homeless. Sadly, she died a few years later."

In Uganda, Emily's friend Martin began a charity called Our Father's House Ministries to continue her good work.

He asked Emily's dad, Stephen if they could name a school they wanted to build after Emily.

Mr Wheeler said: "Stephen has continued to raise money to build and run the school - and he has been liaising between us both.

"The money has been used to take the Ugandan students on a trip – many had never left their village before.

"It also paid for some playground equipment, and it is enough to sponsor the education of three girls for a year. And we aim to continue fundraising to see them through their education."

Martin Duhimbeze, who runs the charity in Uganda, said: "The entire Emily Collins School appreciates all the love and support.

"Having children and staff go to Lake Mburo National Park - about a six-hour drive - was so good and educative. Many had never moved beyond their village and had never seen the lake or wild animals.

"The money also paid for three sets of playground equipment."