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For information about
setting up links with schools in different countries, visit
the Central Bureau's website, www.centralbureau.org.uk
In July 2000, students
of Cobham Hall School for Girls, Kent took part in a trip
to work with a local community to improve the quality of life
in a neighbourhood on the northern outskirts of Johannesburg,
South Africa. As well as offering a helping hand, Cobham Hall
students learned about a different culture and experienced
life amongst a poor community first-hand.
The Head of Geography
at Cobham Hall, Jeremy Long, established links with local
schools in both South Africa and Botswana after he taught
at Maru a Pula school, Botswana until 1997. Since then, Cobham
Hall's interest in the development needs of Southern Africa
has flourished.
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Catherine
Kirby, participating student, July 2000.
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Refilwe Mission provides
a learning centre and primary health care clinic for local
residents. Here, the quality of life for most people is in
stark contrast to the wealthier neighbourhoods of Johannesburg.
Clean water supplies are scarce and most of the community
depends on subsistence
food production to support their families.
| What
is Primary Health Care? |
click here |
Fiona Compton, one of
the participating students in July 2000 says:
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Elnaz
Tavassoli, participating student, July 2001.
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During
their visit to Refilwe, Cobham Hall students helped out in
the learning centre. Forty local children attend the learning
centre each afternoon. For many, this is their only education.
A number of the children attending the learning centre are
AIDS orphans and live permanently at Refilwe. At first, their
visitors found this difficult to deal with as they didn't
know how to relate to the children. However, soon all barriers
were broken down as they held a party for the children.
Jade Brett, one of the
participating students in July 2000, says:
The clinic at Refilwe
is also a lifeline for the community in an area where health
services are under pressure to meet the needs of local people,
particularly since the increase in HIV/AIDS. Although Cobham
Hall students do not have the right skills in health care,
they are now keen to raise funds back at school for equipment
and furniture to support Refilwe's primary health care facility
in the future.
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Five
students who hope to be part of the July 2001 trip to
Refilwe.
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The
visit to Refilwe last summer has inspired Cobham Hall students
to do more, and it has provided the whole school with a focus
for fund-raising activities. In July 2001, more students will
return to Refilwe to help to paint and decorate a new pre-school
at Refilwe. By providing facilities for the younger children,
parents will have more time to grow food or find work in the
city. |
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