Dear Friends, Thank you for visiting my Classroom for Africa fundraising page. As most of you know, I gave myself this year to raise enough money to provide a classroom in Tanzania and with everyone's help, I have managed to achieve my goal. 

Fundraising events started with a sponspored jive and included a sponsored snooker evening, a charity supper, various sweepstakes, a car boot sale and numerous raffles - not to mention the disco for year 7 girls at school which turned into a fabulous fundraiser. There was a charity supper, an 'Eggheads' evening and Rick at The Willoughby Arms in Kingston, had a ritual shearing of the hair of Chris Lucking - one of his regulars - which also helped to raise money. Staff at school have been wonderful and have really got behind this project and I would publicly like to thank them one and all for everything they have done on behalf of this classroom and the children it will help. All of the girls have taken an interest and raised money by collections in school and also by donating money from their fundraising summer fayre, as well as buying from the table top sale and various tuck shops. 

As I am sure you all realise, class activities take on a whole new meaning in a developing country when there is actually a classroom to go to, especially if it's got clean water, toilets and a roof to keep the rain off. Even if the classroom is a long walk away, giving children their own classroom makes learning easier and improves the future for whole communities. The classroom itself cost £1,700 and an additional £378.00 provided a teacher for the first six months (Oxfam have said that they will take over the running costs after that) - plus another £25 bought a teacher's kit (which included teaching guides and blackboards). Additionally each school desk and chair cost £15, (cheap eh !) that means it actually only cost £480 for 32 desks and chairs. The total cost was then £2,583 and we managed to raise that quite quickly as you can see.  There is still additional money coming in and this will go towards the running costs.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor the Africa classroom project: Oxfam will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Lots of you have been invited to help by donating towards this charity and you have done so in your droves, think about the children whose lives will be changed forever by this project and by your donation. 

Many thanks for all your support.

Lots of love,

Cathy Pugh