Year 2 pupils at Newfield Park Primary Academy raised more than £140 for Project Gambia after hosting a fundraising sale featuring products they had designed and made themselves.
Families were invited into the school to browse a range of handmade items, with all proceeds going towards supporting children and families in The Gambia.
The sale showcased work completed as part of a cross-curricular project spanning Geography, Art, Design and Technology, Science and Personal Development. Pupils created tie-dye T-shirts, designed and printed wrapping paper, made fabric pouches and grew sunflowers from seed, with every item available to purchase.
The project was inspired by the children’s Geography lessons, where they compared life in Halesowen with life in Serrekunda, The Gambia. Pupils explored the similarities and differences between the two communities while developing a greater understanding of the challenges faced by children growing up in different parts of the world.
Established in 2007, Project Gambia works with partners in the UK and The Gambia to improve access to education and support sustainable community development. The charity also organises annual visits to The Gambia, bringing together schools, colleges and community groups to work alongside local communities, while promoting global learning through school partnerships and child sponsorship.
Newfield Park Primary Academy has supported Project Gambia for many years, with each year group sponsoring a child through the charity. Staff have also travelled to The Gambia to help paint health clinics, distribute mosquito nets and donate books, shoes and classroom furniture to support schools and families.
School Principal, Steve Payne, said: “This project is a wonderful example of our curriculum in action. Our children developed practical skills, learnt about managing money, and gained a deeper understanding for how they can make a positive difference to the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.”
The project raised valuable funds for Project Gambia while giving pupils the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical setting and see how their efforts could make a positive difference to communities beyond the classroom.
Learn more about Project Gambia.
