Children in Southern Africa are set to receive bikes to help them get to class following a remarkable fundraising effort by a Jesuit primary school.
Earlier this year, all students from St Joseph’s in Hurst Green, Lancashire, came together for a sponsored bike ride around the beautiful grounds of nearby Stonyhurst College, raising money to help children access education in places such as Zambia and Zimbabwe.
They collected a grand total of £1,363.67, which will cover 13 bicycles, passing their original goal of raising enough to buy 10.
Through their engagement with the JOESA project (Jesuit Opportunities for Education in Africa), pupils have been learning about the challenges faced by children living in poverty, including the long and often difficult journeys many children must make to reach school. For some, the distance is simply too great, forcing them to drop out of education altogether.
Deeply moved by what they had learned, the children at St Joseph’s decided they wanted to make a difference and help their counterparts in Africa overcome the distances that stand between them and their schooling.
Jules Gibson, Community Engagement Manager at Jesuit Missions, said: “Through their fantastic fundraising efforts, and their incredible determination and enthusiasm, the pupils went above and beyond their target.
“This is a wonderful example of pupils living out the values of being ‘men and women for others’ and putting their faith into action.
“Their compassion, generosity and determination have made a tangible difference to the lives of children whose education is affected by poverty.”
Jesuit Missions is extremely grateful for all the pupils’ commitment and enthusiasm, their families’ generosity, and the support of all the staff.
