Pupils make a difference

The pupils from St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Huyton have been making a difference to the lives of refugees by fundraising and donating essential items.

Headteacher, Maggie Keating, said: “The sensitive issues about the plight of refugees have been raised and discussed through Philosophy4Children sessions and the children have shown great empathy for the situation that has arose and were very keen to ensure that they didn’t just feel sympathy but were called to respond, as Christians, in a practical way.”

At a special assembly titled ‘Where is the Love?’ the children shared their ideas to help make the lives more bearable for those families fleeing war torn areas.

Inspiration had been taken from the local parish of St Agnes, Huyton as their ‘We can make a difference’ fundraising supports people in need.

Margaret Roache and Alison Ponzini from local charity, SHARe Knowsley (Support & Help for Asylum Seekers and Refugees) accepted a cheque for £435.63 to enable them to continue supporting local refugees.

With help and encouragement from the pupils, donations of food, bedding, clothes, nappies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby wipes, soap and shower gel have been pouring into school as well as toys, games and books for the displaced children.

All the donations are being collected by the church and given to a local refugee appeal centre for distribution to those in need.

Margaret Roache from SHARe Knowsley, said: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff and children of St Anne’s Primary who have been supporting SHARe Knowsley since we started our work at the beginning of the year.

“It was lovely to be invited to be part of their collective worship which demonstrated not only how much the children have learned about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers but also their empathy, compassion and willingness to help. The £435.63 they raised was phenomenal and will certainly be put to good use”.