Year 6 pupils at Blanchelande College recently spent a week campaigning for a range of local and UK good causes, raising more than £1,000 in one day through a range of cake, toy and book sales, as well as hosting a mufti/pyjama/crazy hair day.
The fundraising initiative is the culmination of a term long Signature Work inquiry project involving all Year 6 students, across six different subjects.
Jenny Toerien, Senior Librarian and Projects Co-ordinator, designed and ran the project
“This is a phenomenal achievement for a single day of events that demonstrates how the Blanchelande family has pulled together to support Year 6 to make a practical difference in the world.”
The money will be split between eight different charities, including The Tumaini Fund, Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, St John Guernsey, Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.
Adriana Frihmat, one of the Year 6 students involved said: “This project made me realise that I love helping people and want to do more.”
The catalyst for this fundraising project was an event called the Changemakers Exhibition, which was held earlier in the term.
Representatives of local charities and organisations met with Year 6 pupils to inspire them and to give practical advice.
Year 6 student Felix McGuffin said: “One person can change the world, they just have to choose to take action”.
Ms Toerien said the aim of the Signature Work inquiry project was to learn and practice a wide range of skills.
“Year 6 make connections linking their different subjects to each other, to their lives and to their community and the wider world. They are empowered to make a difference and to feel the joy that comes with helping others, in the hope that they will carry this with them for the rest of their lives. ”
Students also held free events and competitions to raise awareness for Plastic Free Guernsey, The World Wildlife Fund and Guernsey Trees for Life.
Olivia Garner who campaigned for Plastic Free Guernsey, said: “I hope the impact of my Signature Work will be large. We all want to beat the plastic that is destroying the Earth, and we can do it if we do it together.”
