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The heart-warming reactions of pupils at a Watford primary school finding out how their fundraising for Comic Relief has helped children go to school thousands of miles away in Malawi, have been captured in two short films being shared today, on World Teacher’s Day.
A group of boys and girls from Knutsford Primary and Nursery School, aged nine to eleven, came together to see for themselves how their donations, which were doubled by UK aid, are making a real difference to the lives of children of a similar age, with their genuine, candid comments captured on film.
During their discussion, pupils learn about two children in Malawi. They see how Charles, aged seven, has gone from the bottom to the top of his class after tablets were introduced to teach maths and literacy, and how 14-year-old Olivia has been supported in ending her child marriage and re-joining her classmates, more ambitious than ever to realise her dreams of becoming a teacher.
Pupils described how ‘amazing’ it feels to help someone in a different country, how technology can make learning fun and that they think it’s important for boys and girls to go to school because everyone should be treated the same.
Eileen Anderson, Headteacher at Knutsford Primary and Nursery School, which is one of Comic Relief’s top fundraising schools in the country, said: “As a long-term supporter of Comic Relief, we were thrilled to be able to see how some of our school’s fundraising has helped children in Malawi.
“Our pupils took part in a variety of activities for Red Nose Day 2015 including a dance-a-thon and dress up days. Not only was it a fantastic opportunity to raise money for an incredible cause, it also gave them the chance to learn about the issues that children across the world face.”
Chibwe Henry, UK aid Partnership Manager at Comic Relief, said: “Millions of children around the world are still denied access to an education. Thanks to the generous hearts of people here in the UK, we’re able to help tackle this.
“It’s been wonderful to work with Knutsford Primary and Nursery School to highlight the positive change that donations are making. We’d like to say a big thank you to teachers and pupils there – we couldn’t do this work without your support and kindness. We hope you all feel really proud.”
Money raised by UK schools for Red Nose Day 2015 was match-funded by the UK government’s UK aid Match scheme and has helped thousands of children into school and learning so far. For every £1 donated to a UK Aid Match charity appeal, the government contributes £1 of UK aid to help these projects go further in changing and saving lives.