Students raise funds for South African tuition

Update April 24, 2006:

Stanstead College's fundraising efforts were enough to support ten children at the Refilwe project. The children are aged 6 to 17. Here is a message from Child Care Centre manager Sonia Bull:

"On behalf of Refilwe Community Project, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for the kindness you have shown in sponsoring some of our special children in the Refilwe family.

"The amount of R6,100 (six thousand, one hundred Rand) was received yesterday, and just know that this will go towards ensuring these children receive the necessary essentials required to improve their overall life-style.

"You are a true blessing to our Project.

"God Bless you all."

Meet the Refilwe children (PowerPoint).

Inspired by South African exchange student Jess Williams, the four student houses of Stanstead College are organizing fundraisers to help pay the $120 school tuition for four children over the next three years. The school is located in the Refilwe Community Project, situated on the outskirts of Johannesburg. The project is the major community service focus of Jess's home school, St Stithians Girls' College. The St Stithian girls assist in the nursery and primary school afternoon activities.

"You're not just giving an education but a future to those who might otherwise not have one," Jess told Stanstead students in a powerful Assembly presentation.

Here at home, the Bugbee Boys, for instance are auctioning themselves for chores, sing-a-grams, even massages.