Charity Total Unveiled for School in South Africa
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open Afternoon on Saturday. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to once again invite everyone to explore school and unveil the final amount raised by pupils for this year’s beneficiary charity Reshomile School, South Africa, which totalled in excess of £10,000. A HUGE accomplishment. A BIG thank you to everyone for your generous support.
Links with Reshomile School, based in the deprived Diepsloot township, over 8,000 miles away in South Africa, were first established in 2020. Approximately 1500 pupils attend the school with many of the children facing hardship in their daily lives with an absence of basic human needs such as food, energy, water and clothing. A strong bond has developed between the pupils of the two school communities.
Mr Robert Yates, Headmaster at Eversfield, indicated how proud he was of the children, “Compassion is at the heart of our school code and we live in a world that requires us all to interact within society and find ways to make a positive impact on communities that are less fortunate. I am incredibly proud of how all the children rose to the challenge and developed ingenious ways to raise funds to support the community of our partner school in South Africa.”
Mrs Xulu, Headmistress, at Reshomile Primary School, congratulated the children on their fundraising saying, “We would like to congratulate the children on all their fundraising and extend our gratitude. This support will go such a long way helping our learners here at Reshomile School.”
Letter of Thanks from Reshomile School
Dearest Eversfield Preparatory School,
On behalf of Reshomile School in the township of Diepsloot, South Africa we would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the collaborative efforts in fundraising for our school.
To Mr Yates, we would like to express our gratitude for creating a school culture that is inclusive and supportive. Your leadership is instrumental in making these collaborations a success, and your commitment to giving back is a testament to the character and values you have instilled upon the children at Eversfield.
We are so thankful to the Sawle family, including Mabel Sawle who visited our school in 2022 and provided us with winter coats. We were so grateful for their visit and the opportunity they provided for us to be considered as the beneficiary for Eversfield’s yearly charity!
The school council comprised of 12 students who helped to select Reshomile. These students have shown leadership and inspired their peers to participate in various fundraising activities. Thanks to each one of these students for their commitment and dedication put into the very successful talent show.
Mrs Shona McGrory eagerly took on the collaboration with our school to begin the dedicated work of building a relationship between our two schools. Our shared cultures and values provided a mutual benefit for both schools. We are so grateful for the Christmas box project Shona led in which students from both schools shared homemade cards, as well as traditional Christmas carols. We greatly appreciate Shona for her kindness, dedication and the lasting positive impact she has bestowed upon the children.
Mr Mark Newman for his extraordinary IT skills. Mark has put countless hours into each project. Turning videos, photos and music into beautiful visual masterpieces!
The hard-working kitchen staff at Eversfield for the love and efforts put into making the food for the charity breakfast. We appreciate the planning, preparation and efforts put into making this a success.
All these events would not have been possible without the ground staff who put many hours working behind the scenes setting up and breaking down for various events. A big thank you to each individual who makes up an important part of the team!
Lisa Ironmonger we are so indebted to you for taking our visions and sharing them through Eversfield’s social media. Reshomile was able to feel like we were also a part of the various events. Thank you so much!
Debbie Tudor and Julie O’ Brien from the finance department for their diligent efforts ensuring all the raised funds were collected, counted and appropriately allocated into the accounts.
Helen Gibbs, Lynsey McGoldrick, Jo Kentish who work in the front office and have been a big part of each project. They have sent out countless emails to collaborate and communicate with students and parents.
Mr Andrew Biggs we appreciate your musical leadership and guidance. We have all enjoyed the harmonious concerts you have arranged. Your passion for music and shared culture is an inspiration!
To the class teachers and assistance for your willingness to support each project, we would like to thank you for putting in countless hours encouraging and assisting the children to learn productions. We are inspired by your efforts, and the positive impact you have bestowed upon us all.
To the members of the Eversfield Parents Association who generously donated money from the May ball. Thank you so very much!
Lastly, we can’t forget the dedication and support the parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours who took their time to guide, support and sponsor the children. Thank you for your efforts, commitment and being a positive role model to the children and community.
Reshomile recognizes the success of a project is not just measured by the end result but also by the journey that each team member undertakes together. It is the hard work, commitment, and dedication of each individual that brings the project to life, and it is through this collective effort that makes it a success.
In Africa we have a concept that is universal in its appeal. That word is known as Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a philosophy of African origin that has a simple yet profound meaning- “I am because you are.” This is a belief that we are all connected, and that our actions affect those around us. Ubuntu is a way of life; it is recognizing that we are all interdependent and our well-being is linked to the well-being of others. It is about treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion.
It is about coming together as a community, to support each other, sharing resources and working towards a common goal. We can then see that we are all apart of something bigger than the individual, and we all have a responsibility to contribute to the greater good.
Eversfield has been a leading example of Ubuntu, and has made a significant impact on the children, teachers, and community within Diepsloot. You have shown hope and unity, which has the potential to transform the world.
To bring people together and inspire us all to work towards positive transformation.
It is an honour to recognize your school’s commitment to Ubuntu, we know that Eversfield will continue to inspire the children, and world to embrace this important philosophy.
Thank you so much!!
Congrats on this well-deserved award.
Kind regards,
Mrs Deidre Xulu, Reshomile Headmistress
Kara Elliott, Project Director