A Falkirk school has raised thousands of pounds to help change the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.
St Francis Xavier primary students have led a variety of fundraising activities throughout lent for international development charity SCIAF's annual WEE BOX appeal.
The primary school raised over £5,700 by taking on a triathlon.
This year, SCIAF encouraged pupils and others to take on ‘Acts of Hope’ – small steps everyone can take to tackle the climate emergency here in Scotland.
They included; Eat in Hope (eating vegetarian, vegan, or seasonably), Travel in Hope (reducing car use, cycling, walking), Reuse in Hope (reducing consumption by buying less or buying used), and Donate in Hope to SCIAF to help the poorest people in the world.
Helen Quinn, Teacher, at St Francis Xavier’s, said: "I cannot overstate the huge positive impact on our school and pupils from working with SCIAF. It has been a tradition in our school for many years to participate in the WEE BOX campaign during Lent.
“Our events vary from year to year, but include: fun day, where children do face painting and run various stalls and games for the other classes; a coffee morning, movie afternoon involving families and local parishioners; crazy hair day; and a sponsored event.
"This year that was a triathlon – read, walk and obstacle course)
“The work we undertake for SCIAF really takes over in the class during Lent, and the learning covers so many curricular areas, including literacy, numeracy, ICT, health and well-being, social subjects and RE."
SCIAF’s WEE BOX appeal focusses on Malawi this year, where the climate crisis is causing devastating hunger and the loss of livelihoods for thousands. The charity’s projects span across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Mark Booker, Senior Development Education Officer, SCIAF, said: “It has been such a pleasure and a privilege to be back in the school environment this Lent – last year we weren’t able to because of COVID-19.
“We are lucky to have such generous schools supporting our WEE BOX appeal – our thanks go out to each and every student and teacher across Scotland who have got involved. Their Acts of Hope and support of the WEE BOX have inspired us all.
“Our WEE BOX school resources provide activities connected to the curriculum along with the opportunity to use engaging prayer and reflection material.”
SCIAF’s WEE BOX appeal runs until Easter weekend and is continuing to accept donations. People can donate at sciaf.org.uk/weebox or by calling 0141 354 5555.
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