School Supports South Sudan

Pupils at a Dorset school have raised many hundreds of pounds for their counterparts in South Sudan, enabling two people to complete a two-year teacher training programme in the country.

Since 2010, the pupils of Milton on Stour CE VA Primary School have been supporting education in the Diocese of Lui. During that time, they have been learning about the life of children in equatorial Africa, from people who have travelled there as part of the Diocese’s Sudans link. They also received two visits in school: one from the Bishop of Lui, Stephen Dokolo, and one from Peter Bay, head of a teacher training college near Lui.

At first, the Milton on Stour pupils wrote letters to children in Lui, and sent money for school materals and toys. However, when they were told of the shortage of skilled teachers in South Sudan, they set themselves a target of raising money every year for teacher training.

Having already donated £1200, pupils have just presented a further donation of £1200 to a representative of the Diocese Sudans Link Committee. In all, their efforts have raised enough to pay for two people to complete a two-year teacher training programme.

Representing the Diocese of Salisbury Sudans Committee, Anne Powell said “Milton’s children are always keen to learn about children in South Sudan, and ask plenty of questions.

“Their dedication and persistence in raising money year after year and their unflagging interest is a great example of loyalty and faithfulness.  It is so good to see these values that stem from the school’s Christian ethos.  The staff and governors at the school have really encouraged them in this.

“The children’s own School Council has led the fundraising.”