African school children get grant money
Two students in Tanzania are getting their education paid for - thanks to parents at a Shropshire school.
Ellesmere College Parents Society (ECPS) has committed to sponsoring Lomnyaki Ezekiel Laibunye and Estomil Issaya Lekundayo to the sum of £125 a year throughout their six year senior schooling.
ECPS have made a donation to the Monduli Green Project each year for the past few years, but this year decided to up the annual contribution.
Jo Astbury and Pauline Hale, co-chairs of the ECPS, said they are very pleased to be able to help in this way.
They said: “We are delighted to be able to ensure both Lomnyaki and Estomil are able to go to school.
“Both students and their parents sent a huge thank you for the financial support which was wonderful to hear."
Lomnyaki and Estomil will get the money for basic schooling needs, pillows and bedding in their boarding house, uniform and text books. Some of the sponsorship money also goes towards solar panel projects in the local secondary schools.
They are chosen by a coordinator in Tanzania based on their attitude, effort and attainment and strong need for financial support.
Ellesmere College has a long history of supporting the Monduli Green Project and the school community supports 55 students in all. Students from the Shropshire college visit the project every other year to help.
It was set up in 2008 by Cathy Allen, an English as an additional language teacher at Ellesmere College, to work with schools and communities in Tanzania to improve the environment and facilities for children.
She said: “There are many children in Tanzania who don’t get to go to school or fail to finish their education.
“With just under 70 per cent of the population living below the poverty line, many children are forced into a situation of trying to find work to help their families rather than go to school.
“This commitment by the Ellesmere College Parents Society means we can ensure two more students can have a full education without having to worry about how they can afford to stay at school."
For more about the Monduli Green Project, visit https://www.monduligreen.com/.
