When David asked me to write something for the EDP blog I was not sure what might be relevant to the sponsors. We first discussed Awutu Winton School and the EDP project at a dinner party two Christmases ago. We knew of each other, as I had headed a village project several years before, of which he had been a keen supporter but we had never really talked to each other, as we mix in different circles.
Part of the reason for talking in depth with David now was my son. Christopher had left University 9 months ago with a good degree in Computer Graphic Design and Multimedia but was unable to find work. With Christopher’s strengths in computers David offered an opportunity for him to visit the school in Ghana. While there he would teach the students and teachers how to use computers. It would also hopefully look good on his CV when he returned to help secure employment.
Within a matter of weeks Christopher was out in Awutu, he stayed for 4 months. He enjoyed his time at the school, it was very challenging with the climate and basic accommodation but as a first trip away from home we were very proud of his achievements.
David and Inez have a deep passion to make the Awutu Winton School a success. It is not just about the building but a secure future for the students present and future.
Christopher told me how keen all the students are to learn, they are desperate to get to school each day.
I decided to sponsor a student for 3 years. We have a lovely young man who would eventually like to be a journalist. We correspond during the year and have copies of his school report.
I decided to sponsor a student for 3 years. We have a lovely young man who would eventually like to be a journalist. We correspond during the year and have copies of his school report.
But when there are so many young people that need our help, it is difficult to know what to do for the best. I can’t afford to sponsor more than one student but can give in other ways, as many of you do: by giving ‘time’! I have been told by many people that my strengths lay in ‘organising’ and so that is what I have done for the past 2 years. I have assisted with organising fundraising events for EDP.
Last year we had the very successful ‘Auction of Promises’ which raised approximately £7,500. It was great fun and we had good support from donors and bidders.
This year we are hopeful of raising £4000 for 2 part time teachers and our only event was The Portsmouth, BUPA Great South Run, taking place on Sunday 28th October. We met at 8am on what was a cold and damp morning, to set off to Portsmouth in our mini bus. Thank goodness for the extra hour in bed!
Thankfully we managed to park up a short distance from the main hub of activity with the start and finish lines only a 5 minute walk away from our bus. Our 8 EDP runners were buzzing with anticipation, having each set themselves targets for the 10 mile run. The mass of 25000 runners waiting at the starting line had to be seen to have been believed. Quite spectacular!
Our group of spectators managed to encourage our runners on at the 5 mile point, at which they all looked cool and collected. Everyone was delighted with their own performances, the atmosphere helped with the crowd and the cheering, so did the thought of coming back to a warm cosy mini bus. All our runners did so well with the fastest time at 1hr 17minutes. 3 of the runners had never run as much as 10 miles before.
We ended our day at David and Inez’s where we enjoyed some homemade cooking and a celebration drink along with an interesting film show of what has been achieved in Awutu. It was amazing to see what improvements we had managed to afford over the past year and to know that every penny given goes directly into the school. Peter Donkor gave a wonderful speech to thank everyone for their support. He can hardly believe what has been achieved at the Awutu Winton School which began as an idea.
He mentioned that as a child in Ghana and from a family of 14 he was the lucky one and had an education. Not all of his brothers and sisters did because the family could not afford it. We were all very touched by what Peter had to say and think that he is a great ambassador for the school.
In the economic climate it is always hard to fundraise. There are so many charities that are asking for our help. EDP is a small charity with a big heart! It’s not national, it doesn’t get lottery funding, it depends of the generousity of everyday people. In return we get to see all of the results of our fundraising. That’s why I enjoy supporting it.
The sponsorship from the Great South Run currently stands at £2900, making the total short of our target, but all this could change if you haven’t already made a donation. Please visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Edp if you haven't already.
Thank you for reading this Blog.
Best wishes,
Jackie
P.S. We are hoping to raise a larger team, and amount, at next year's event- new runners are welcome to sign up at https://entry.enteronline.org/.
