How students at Welland Park Academy are helping children in Africa

Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.
Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.
Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.

Year 10 pupils at Welland Park Academy leapt into action as they got behind the Backpack Project organised by the Mary’s Meals charity.

Individually stuffed with 15 items such as pens, notepad, spoon, ball and flip flops, the packs are being shipped out to youngsters in Malawi, south-east Africa.

The students of 10HRU, aged 14 and 15, have co-ordinated donations across the school.

Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.
Students at a Market Harborough school are sending out over 200 special backpacks to boost struggling children in Africa.

And an impressive 223 backpacks are now heading almost 6000 miles to be distributed in schools supported by Mary’s Meals.

Julie McBrearty, principal at the school, said: “They were inspired to act after looking into the story of Mary’s Meals.

Students saw the very positive impact this charity work has on poverty-stricken children around the world.”

She said Mary’s Meals aimed to provide children in poor countries with one hot meal a day at school.

“However, many of these children don’t have basic school resources.

“So the charity also sends backpacks filled with educational equipment to enable children to make the most of their schooling,” said Julie, who has 991 pupils.

“I’m very proud of our students for putting in the time and effort to support this brilliant cause.

“We also really appreciate the generosity of families in Harborough for donating all the kit and equipment.

“I’d also like to salute one of our teachers, Hannah Russell.

“She’s been the inspiration and driving force behind this scheme.”