School supports Burmese cyclone victims

Haverstock School has produced one of the most successful youth campaigns in the London Borough of Camden in support of Plan’s Burma appeal. Seven Year 9 students, along with two teachers, formed ‘Project Burma’ to raise awareness and much needed funds for the disaster.

In an assembly, Haverstock school students learnt of the cyclone that hit Burma on Saturday 3rd of May 2008. The Nargis cyclone was the worst to hit the continent since 1991 with a death toll of 200,000 and 2.5 million in need of aid.

The students decided they wanted to do something to help. They approached their head of year, Amy Brown, and the Head of Art, Riana Gutteridge, and asked if they would support them in setting up ‘Team Burma’ and running a summer fair to raise money.

Team Burma decided that they would like the money donated to help to rebuild the lives of the surviving Burmese children. Having researched online, they decided to give Plan their funds, due to Plan’s focus on children and because of its lack of religious affiliation.

With the help of their teachers, students worked hard to raise funds to purchase materials, make all the products and finally to advertise the event. The summer fair consisted of stalls selling clocks, doormats, printed T-shirts, student artwork, and bags as well as food and drink.

Activities for students and parents to enjoy included Wii Tennis, Guitar Hero and Pinata. The students also held an auction where £164 was raised, with a signed Arsenal shirt and a Legends Tour of the Emirates stadium among the lots.

In total the group raised £750 and the orders for their handmade products are still coming in – a fantastic effort. The money has gone directly to Plan’s Burma appeal.