Supporting Education in Sierra Leone

Peterborough Telegraph Rotary Corner article dated 15th December 2022

Former Ramsey school teacher and Rotarian David Wallwork, upon retirement, along with his wife Janet, decided to use his educational experience to help build a school in rural Sierra Leone, 50 miles from the capital Freetown. Over the past decade, with the support of many friends and Rotary clubs, the school has blossomed and now provides quality education for over 300 children! Due to many children desperately needing to earn money for themselves and their families, in order to purchase food, they have to give up their education. This, coupled with many girls getting married at a very young age, means that less than 50% of children complete their secondary education. In fact 36% don’t even complete their primary education (Unicef). Therefore, The David School is helping to redress this. (For futher details please see www.thedavidschool.org.uk)

On one of the hottest days of the year, the current President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Marcus Horrell, organised a special fund-raising garden party at his home for over 100 guests. A lovely lunch was provided along with a raffle and approximately £3,000 was raised, to be divided between The David School’s work in Sierra Leone and the local Macmillan Cancer Care here in Peterborough. A recent presentation of the cheques was made at the Holiday Inn Hotel, on one of the wettest days of the year. This was in addition to ongoing support from Peterborough Rotary Club for Sue Ryder, following a wonderful golf day in May.

Over 30 years ago in 1991 the Robert Horrell Wellbeing Centre in the grounds of Peterborough City Hospital was established. The centre provides a safe, supportive and caring envirionment for both patients and carers. The multi-professional team provide a range of treatment, advice and support stretagies for patients who are living with cancer or other progressive illnesses.

1.3 million Rotarians in over 200 countries in the world help to support important projects, locally, nationally and internationally, giving practical support through fund-raising projects like this. Why not consider joining a local Rotary club and make a difference?

By Rev Clive Doubleday JP BA

Rotary Club of Peterborough Ortons