Private School News

Caterham School Pupils Raise Money for HIV Charity

Last September, at the beginning of the academic year, a group of Third Year pupils chose to embark on the Social Entrepreneurs Project, a scheme described as ‘Young Enterprise with a conscience’. HOPEHIV, a charity that supports children and young people in sub-Saharan Africa affected by HIV/AIDS, created the project. Pupils are given ‘seed capital’’ and have to find ways to make a profit to generate funds for the charity. Caterham School pupils chose a variety of enterprising activities: social events were organised, cars were washed cars, cakes were baked and roses were sold for Valentines Day.

These activities generated £1,000 profit. The pupils took great pleasure in presenting a cheque for that amount to Catherine Hedges from HOPEHIV when she came to the School on 18 June.

Headmaster Julian Thomas said: ‘’ When we talk of the importance of a wide variety of co-curricular activities, it is easy to overlook the fact that so many of our pupils also make a contribution to society, either by raising funds for charities or by giving their time. This project is a way of bringing entrepreneurial skills and social awareness into the classroom. All profits are donated to HOPEHIV, so pupils know they can make a real difference. I am sure that the success of this initiative means that pupils will be keen to sign up for next year.’’

PHOTO: Third Year pupils with Catherine Hedges from HOPEHIV