Youngsters hear about Ethiopian education project

May 15 2008

PUPILS at a Larkhall primary were told that a new school aimed at educating vulnerable children in Ethiopia is now up and running.

Community worker Susan Aitchison, of LEAP (Lalibela the Education Alternative) based in Motherwell, attended a special assembly at Hareleeshill Primary.

Lalibela is Hareleeshill Primary’s twin school, and the Larkhall youngsters raised £1200 last year to buy equipment from the school.

The school received many donations including books, furniture, resources and PE equipment from many organisations within Hareleeshill Primary School community last year.

Unfortunately, the container carrying the gifts did not arrive in Ethiopia until March.

The school has begun, with 100 children in each of the two classes.

Pupils learned about the many similarities between their new school and Lalibela.

Both groups of children are involved in enterprise topics, with the youngsters in Ethiopia buying hens to breed.

Both sets of children also enjoy playing parachute games.

The children enjoyed speaking to Susan and finding out more about school life in Ethiopia.

But they all agreed that they were all learning to be more grateful for what they have.