Belmont pupils help at home to send a cow to Africa.

Dec 9 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HELP at home and send a money-making cow to Africa.

That was the order of the term for Belmont Academy pupils.

They were asked to don their rubber gloves and complete a chore for family members in a bid to raise cash for some of the poorest people in the world.

And the big-hearted youngsters jumped at the chance to help the Send-A-Cow charity.

Ian Watson, religious and moral education teacher, said: “The aim of the organisation is to send livestock – donkeys, sheep, cattle, chickens and even bees – to Africa to help feed the local populations and create farming and therefore longer term wealth.”

The S1 and S2 pupils raised cash by performing a chore for a family member and raising a minimum of £3. They also took part in a sponsored silence, sold cakes and came up with a variety of other money-making initiatives.

Ian added: “The development of citizenship is an important aspect of the Curriculum for Excellence.

“This initiative will have at least two positive outcomes – it will develop pupils’ awareness of citizenship and global issues and it will make a real difference to the lives of people in Africa.”

Following their hard work, the pupils were visited by David Turner, the community fundraising manager of Send-A-Cow, who gave them a talk on the charity’s work. Some pupils took part in a drama illustrating its work.

Afterwards, the pupils handed over a cheque for £637 – the amazing amount they raised during their fundraising campaign.

Send-A-Cow works with poor families, teaching them the skills they need to build new lives free from poverty and hunger. By providing training, livestock, seeds and support, they restore hope and create stronger communities for the future.