Rugby players from The Wallace High School who are heading off to south Africa for a trip of a lifetime this summer have taken time from their training schedules and exam preparation to raise money for a charity based in South Africa.
The “KIDZPOSITIVE” project generates income for HIV/AIDS affected families. Northern Ireland fundraiser Kathy Goumas from the Service Improvement Unit of theDepartment of Health and Social Services visited Wallace High this week, taking morning assembly to raise awareness of the project. She explained, “I visited South Africa last year with work, providing training for medical personnel in Cape Town. I was invited to meet the mothers involved with the Kidzpositive Beadwork project And was very impressed.
The Beadwork project centres around an outpatient clinic for children with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, medical staff had discovered that many mothers simply couldn’t afford to take a day off work to bring their children to the clinic to receive vital treatment. The beadwork project gives these mothers the opportunity to work in the clinic, whilst their children are being treated.South African people have a clear sense of personal dignity -the mothers are delighted that they are able to earn money to support their families. 90 women are currently earning due to this project -so over 200 children are now receiving medical care.”
The Beadwork project creates specially designed items such as lapel badges, bookmarks and key rings. The Wallace boys designed a commemorative lapel badge which combines the South African flag with the school’s initials.
Year 12 pupil Stephen Knowles commented, “These badges will be a lasting mementoof our tour. The entire School community has been very supportive , buying the badges, and it’s great that we have all learnt a lot more about life in South Africa.”
Beverly McClean from the Parents’ Fundraising committee added, “The Wallace pupils’ social awareness has been raised and this project has been an excellent opportunity for them to help oters less fortunate. It is hoped that a few of the tour party will be able to visit the project itself in Capetown to see firsthand the positive impact of their fundraising.”
BBC Sports presenter Denise Watson, , an ex pupil of Wallace High, who is secretary of local Northern Irealnd charity AIDS 2000, also praised the work of the Wallace boys.
“I was involved with the fundraising efforts of the last rugby tour and as a Wallace Old Girl I’m always keen to hear about the innovative ways in which the school raises money for charity. I think the lapel badges made by the Beadwork Project are an excellent idea. AIDS is a worldwide pandemic and I firmly believe awareness needs to be raised. It’s also very pleasing to see yong people helping others who are less fortunate.”
If you would like to learn more about the Beadwork project you can visit the website or you can make a doantion by contacting Gillian McGarry at Wallace High.
Further details of the ambitious Wallace tour can be gained by visiting The Tour Site, where you can see a detailed itinerary and find out more about the Gala Evening being held in the Europa Hotel next Friday, 3 June.
Last modified: June 16, 2020
