Pakistan School thank the people of Orkney for “digging deep”

It’s the season of goodwill and that is certainly being felt by the Kirkwall Grammar School’s partner school in Pakistan thanks to fundraising efforts in Orkney.

An incredible 140 school uniforms and 30 pairs of shoes have been purchased for students at the Government Secondary School Jajjah Abbasian in Pakistan as a result of a crowdfunding page set up by KGS students which raised just over £500. The page remains open, and donations can still be made here https://bit.ly/3oYTmxh

A further £300, raised through non-uniform days at KGS and donation tins in local businesses, will be sent later this month for the widows’ empowerment part of the project. Five boxes of donated educational and tech products will also be making their way to the school in Pakistan soon.

Some S2 and S5 classes at KGS have been involved in the ongoing global education programme Connecting Classrooms partnership between KGS and the Government Boys’ Secondary School in Pakistan, in particular focusing on no poverty and reduced inequalities.

The Principal and ISA Coordinator of the Pakistan School, Muhammad Idrees, said: “Thanks to pupils and staff of Kirkwall Grammar School for their kindness, thanks to the people of Orkney for digging in deep and thanks to the Connecting Classrooms British Council partnership for providing this opportunity. The students receiving the uniforms are over the moon and express their gratitude as well.”

Theo Ogbhemhe, KGS teacher of religious moral and philosophical studies, said both himself and students had been delighted to see first-hand the benefits of their actions.

Such is the value placed on the donation that a “free uniform distribution ceremony” was held.

Mr Ogbhemhe said: “This is about teaching young people about how to become just and fair citizens. They have been looking at the ways inequality damages society and what they can do about this injustice. It is so pleasing to see the linked students in Pakistan benefitting in a practical way from the work done by the students here. It makes you feel good by doing good things.”