A new school has been opened in a remote Nepalese hamlet thanks to money raised by staff and students at the University of Brighton.
A total of 47 youngsters, aged between three and eight, are now enjoying their first experience of formal education.
Kevin Fossey, senior lecturer in the School of Education and the driving force behind the project, attended the opening ceremony along with Lorraine Harrison, head of the School of Education.
Kevin said: “Due to the fantastic support we have received, education is now reaching young children who have not had an opportunity to go to school before. The villagers are thrilled and they send their greetings to all the supporters in Brighton.
“To see the reaction on the faces of the children and their families has made it all more than worthwhile. The children were desperate to go to school and thanks to everyone’s kindness, they now can.”
With help from the University/Government matched funding scheme, the ‘School for Malagiri’ charity raised more than £50,000 for the project, through students and staff fund-raising events as well as the support of family and friends.
The university decided to send digital greetings ‘cards’ last Christmas and donated money earmarked for printing cards and postage to the cause, and there was a series of fund-raising events including sponsored marathon runs and cake sales.
Kevin, who founded the charity within the School of Education, said: “A Malagiri Committee is in the process of being set up, comprising staff from the School of Education. This committee will consider ways forward with the project, practical assistance, funding and liaison with the Board in Nepal.
“There are a number of possibilities for the future including building additional classrooms and perhaps a handicraft room so that villagers can make items for sale on a fair trade basis.”
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