Students across all years of Derby Moor Academy have collectively raised £2885.78 for a Save the Children appeal in response to the Israel/Palestine crisis.
Through sponsored silences and generous donations, students have been able to raise, within a week, this extraordinary amount to support a cause which has inspired widespread interest and concern within the school community.
Sixth Form Prefect Faseha, who organised key aspects of the event, said ‘Our goal is to help those in need as we value every person in the community- not just at Derby Moor, but all around the world. We needed an efficient method to raise funds, and doing a sponsored silence was a huge success. We feel really proud that we have raised such a significant amount and that it will go towards innocent children having shelter, food and educational resources to give them a brighter future”
Along with the fundraising, every student across the school was given an opportunity to write a letter to local MP Margaret Beckett, expressing their views on the matter. The Prefects team read each letter before forwarding them on, giving students a taste of democratic participation and the process by which they students can have their voices heard.
Another Prefect, Jack, who wrote the introductory letter to Margaret Beckett, said, ‘Expressing one’s views to local MPs is an essential aspect of British government, and a key part of the process of social change. I am pleased that we have been able to offer students of all ages the opportunity to get involved in this process, and I hope that the experience may prove helpful for later participation in local and global issues.’
As part of the campaign, the Prefects made a slideshow presentation to educate their fellow students on the historical context and facts of the crisis, giving them the tools to think independently and come to their own conclusions.
Assistant Principal Mrs Shah said, ‘The Student Leaders have worked hard to take a lead on building the momentum for fundraising for a great cause. Students have not only lead this initiative, but have also worked incredibly hard to teach students how to deal with sensitive issues appropriately. We are humbled by and proud of the way they have conducted themselves and it highlights what a strength our community is- Together We Succeed.’
Written by: Jack Hitchcock, Student Leadership Team, Derby Moor Academy