Pupils’ power play

All cheering for Kenya

PUPILS at Crompton Primary School powered penalties into an inflatable goal to help street children in Kenya.

The youngsters aged, four to 11, took turns at a game that measured the speed of their shots to raise £250 for children in Nakuru, who live on a rubbish dump and have little to eat but cabbage and gruel.

They were inspired to raise the money after two employees of Great Places Housing Group, which has regional offices in Oldham, visited the school to tell pupils about life in Kenya.

Customer services manager Mark Karlisle and development manager Joanne Dawson worked at the Walk Centre in Nakuru, which feeds and educates the Kenyan children, for a month.

The school presented a cheque to Great Places, which will put the money towards school uniforms for children who often only have rags to wear.

Crompton Primary head teacher Martin Moore said: “We had great time with the inflatable football net and the children themselves decided that they wanted the money they raised to go to Kenya.

“They worked really hard getting sponsorship and had fun seeing who could kick a ball the fastest. Everyone had a go.”

Mark Karlisle, of Great Places, said: “Learning about children less fortunate than themselves made them think about and appreciate what they have in life and how lucky they are.

“We were really touched that they then decided they wanted to do something to help and we were delighted to receive this cheque.”

The latest work in Kenya, funded through Great Places, included the building of a dining room so that children can eat away from dust and dirt.

Food and support from the centre means children do not have to scavenge among rubbish for food, and can continue their education.