Whyteleafe pupils learn a lesson in self denial to help Kenya

Pupils at Whyteleafe School have learned a lesson in just how much difference a bit of self restraint and denial can make after they gave up some of their favourite things for a week – and ended up raising £1000 for a village in Kenya.

Whyteleafe has a long-standing connection with the village of Kimilili, with pupils having been swapping letters with children in Kenya for many years, and staff from both countries going to visit one another’s schools.

This summer, Year Two pupils learnt about how their counterparts in Kenya live, and some of the privations they have to put up with, and a result were challenged to go without favoured items, including electronic games and chocolate, for a week. It was a test of resolve for the youngsters, but it was all made worthwhile when at the end of the week it was revealed that they had raised a four-figure sum to send to Kenya.

“This has been a brilliant exercise for the children,” said class teacher Karina Pearson. “You can learn as much as you want from books, television and computers, but when something is presented to you in such a direct way, it totally transforms your understanding, and that’s precisely what it’s done for the children here.

“It took a lot of self control to do this, but they’ve been able to see precisely how much difference it has made, and how worthwhile an exercise it was. The money will be split between two schools in Kimilili, to fund their libraries, and that’s happening as a direct result of something that our children have done. They’ve made a difference – and they can understand how they’ve done it, which is a wonderful lesson to learn.”