Plymouth College Head of Sixth Form and Head of History, Ed Beavington, has visited Tanzania over the Easter break to see the school children supported by the Banana Tree Project. Ed set up the charity in 2006 to help orphans and former street children in Mwanza, Tanzania, to go to school.
One of the children helped by the charity is Steven Mautula, who has spent time on the streets and is now 15 years’ old. Over the last five years, Year 7 pupils at Plymouth College have taken on the challenge of raising funds to support Steven through his education.
This year’s Year 7s have washed cars, been sponsored to swim, row and cycle, sold cakes and donated pocket money to raise over £1800. This means that not only has Steven been supported through his next year of school, but funds are available to support other children as well.
Steven gained a Merit in his Form IV exams at the end of 2014 (equivalent to an A grade overall at GCSE) and is now starting his Form V studies in History, Geography and English.
“Every year our Year 7s make a very real difference to the life of Stephen he is seizing that opportunity with great enthusiasm,” said Ed. “Many of the Year 7s wrote letters to Steven and he has replied to all of them and included some beautiful artwork to thank them for their support.”
For more information about the Banana Tree Project please visit www.bananatreeproject.org
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