Alicia, James, Xander, Lucy, Tungy & Charlie need your help and support!

The aim: In 2024, our goal is to surpass the £3000 target through activities like climbing three peaks, hosting a gala night, and additional fundraising events such as bake sales and non-school uniform days. The funds will be allocated in three ways: (A) providing backpacks with social and educational essentials for every student at Isaac Booi Primary School, (B) enhancing resources for UTS sessions, and (C) supporting UTS in offering scholarships to pupils for higher education and lifelong opportunities.

At Isaac Booi Primary School, there are numerous children with diverse social needs. However, a consistent observation is the lack of access to essential school supplies. Many students use worn-out shoes, carry their belongings in plastic bags, and often lack the necessary tools for academic success. To address this, we plan to provide each child with a school backpack. The contents of these backpacks will support them both academically and personally, including notepads, stationery, hygiene products, sanitary items, a book, and small treats like skipping ropes and yo-yos.

B: As mentioned earlier, UTS conducts diverse sessions in multiple Port Elizabeth schools, relying on the commitment of volunteers and necessary resources. We aim to supply UTS with new books and phonics materials for English sessions, beloved stickers as rewards for children, and sports equipment including swimming hats, goggles, sinkers, balls, and ball pumps.

C: Upon completing the aforementioned missions, any surplus funds will be directly allocated to UTS SA. These funds will contribute to scholarships awarded to pupils, enabling them to pursue higher education. This, in turn, serves as a deterrent against issues like alcoholism, prevalent in South Africa due to unemployment. Additionally, it helps steer students away from gangs, ultimately leading to formal employment, elevating both individual lives and the local economy.

The Story: In September 2023, Alicia became part of a volunteer team in Port Elizabeth, collaborating with UTS (United Through Sport) to incorporate sports into local schools, addressing a gap in the compulsory curriculum and enhancing education quality in underprivileged communities. Inspired by this, Alicia, alongside fellow volunteers, friends, and family, is working towards raising over £3000 to further support this cause.

Throughout our time with UTS, it became apparent that children in Port Elizabeth townships faced challenging social conditions, impacting their academic success and future opportunities. UTS, founded in 2003, addresses this issue by fostering relationships with schools, providing sports camps and weekly sessions, offering swimming and water safety lessons, and implementing a teaching program with a primary emphasis on improving English skills. Moreover, UTS offers scholarships to students, supporting them through higher education and facilitating their pursuit of lifelong employment.

Their remarkable work relies solely on donations and the commitment of international volunteers. However, while their initiatives are impactful, they alone cannot address all the social issues impeding the progress of primary school children in the region. For instance, a significant number of children lack proper school uniforms and well-fitting shoes, and they also face challenges in accessing essential educational materials such as notebooks.

How do we aim to reach this target?

Three Peaks: In the spring of 2024, Alicia and friends are climbing the three peaks across three weekends and will require sponsorship for this immense challenge. W1: Ben Nevis (Alicia & James), W2: Scafell Pike (Lucy & Charlie & Alicia) and W3: Snowdon (Alicia, Tungy & Xander).

Gala Night: In June 2024 (Date TBC) we will be hosting a gala night in aid of the cause, we would love you to join us for an excellent evening of prizes, dancing and dinner! More information to come soon!

FAQ: How will you get these resources to the school?

Alicia will be returning to UTS and Isaac Booi in September 2024, the airline she is flying with will be carrying the items as cargo. This crowdfunding page will be open until September 01st however, the £3000 will need to be met by the 20th of July to ensure all three missions are completed.

FAQ: Can I donate items rather than money?

Absolutely! We will be asking for school shoes, trainers, stationary and other key items for this cause. These items can be brand new or barely worn, the kind of item you would be happy to send to a charity shop. Please contact Alicia for more information.

FAQ: Can you help to raise money?

If you have any ideas of how you can support this cause, we are all ears. From raffle prizes to smaller fundraising opportunities, please contact Alicia at aliciaflorence2021@gmail.com

FAQ: Want to know more about UTS SA?

https://www.unitedthroughsport.org/