On Tuesday 6 June, Christine Keenan from Hope and a Future, Randalstown came to visit Moneynick to talk to our pupils about the work she does with the children of Shashemene in Ethiopia. Many of the children there are too poor to go to school and others have mental or physical disabilities. Families live together in mud homes, often with just one room and sleep on the floor on straw mats. Christine and her husband Kevin visit Ethiopia three times a year and bring supplies, medication and toys to these impoverished children. Back in March the pupils of Moneynick donated their old football kit to the boys football team there. The boys were delighted to receive the kit and it is so wonderful to see them wearing it and looking so happy. Our pupils felt proud to say they had helped make a difference to the Ethiopian football team.
We are so lucky to live in this part of the world and we have so many possessions - we must be thankful for what we have. Being able to share with children who have nothing is humbling and we are privileged to be able to do that.
In August, Christine and Kevin will return to Ethiopia with a large container full of supplies for the children of Shashemene. It is our intention to help Hope and a Future to gather the following items for the children:
- Board Games- must be in good condition
- Clothes- clean, light clothing that you no longer wear, Moneynick sweatshirts and t-shirts
- Footwear - light shoes and sandals, football boots (washed)
- Books - Hope and a Future are opening a library later this year
- Small toys - must be in good condition
Please leave any items that you can into school during the week beginning 12 June. The pupils of Moneynick listened intently to Christine. The photos below will give you some idea of the conditions that the children of Shashemene live in. Please help in any way that you can and talk as a family, about the importance of helping those in need.
Thank you
