OVER 300 refugee children will receive a better education, thanks to a Riverland school fundraiser recently.
The Loxton Lutheran School organised a Walk My Way event, which saw students plan activities and seek sponsorship before embarking on a walk-a-thon.
Loxton Lutheran School student support and ministry and mission leader Leonie Sheffield said it costs $26 for a whole year to help provide a teacher, textbook and table for one pre-school child living in an East African refugee camp.
“Students planned activities, made crafts and food to sell, and sought sponsorship, with our aim to raise enough money to educate as many children as at our school (188 students),” she said.
“By the end of the day, the students were delighted that they had raised enough for 250 students.
“At the most recent count, with both online and cash received, we have raised just over $8000 (enough for 308 children), with donations still coming in.”
Walk My Way is an initiative of Australian Lutheran World Service and Ms Sheffield said students were taught about refugee children and the importance of education.
“Our juniors walked almost 2km each around a school track, middle primaries walked 4km each along the river and through the town, and our seniors walked well over half of their 8km river track before being interrupted by rain,” she said. “When their walks were completed, students participated in a range of fun and educational activities, including dancing, learning trails, puzzles and stories.
“They were able to purchase from the stalls classes had prepared.”