Pupils help shine a light

With that theme in mind, pupils are routinely reminded about their responsibility to help and support each other in whatever way they can.

A spokesperson said, “ This spirit of community has been greatly evident in the school’s recent plans to carry out some work in Uganda.

“In March 2012 a group of 12 pupils will be accompanied by teachers Mr David Wylie and Miss Joanna Wilkinson as they journey to Jandira, a small township north of Uganda’s capital city Kampala.”

Dromore High has built strong relationships with the ‘Light for All’ secondary school recently built in Jandira.

The visiting group plans to run kids’ clubs in local primary schools but the majority of their time will be devoted to work in the secondary school.

Pupils from both schools will work to establish microfinance projects to allow the Ugandan High School to raise money in a self-sustainable manner.

The main aim is to raise enough money to buy a plot of land beside the school on which to establish horticultural and agricultural projects.

It is hoped they will provide the school with the food and finances necessary to continued growth and development.

“Much fundraising is being carried out in order to help realise this dream,” the spokesperson said, “and the community spirit within the school is proving to be crucial in order to achieve this goal.

“Many pupils, teachers and parents have come on board to work towards this vision.

“Following a successful bag-pack in Dromore Supervalu, a large team of pupils, parents and teachers journeyed to Newtonbreda Tesco at the end of October to pack bags for the Belfast public .

“As a result, the team raised £2,400, a total which goes a long way to helping them reach their target. Many thanks must be given to all at Newtownbreda Tesco for giving the team this vital fundraising opportunity.

“Following this a bun sale and hockey tournament raised some other important finances.

“All of this, however, is only preparation for what looks like being a very busy festive period for the team.”

On December 3 the team will be packing bags at Sainsbury’s in Sprucefield while at the same time preparing for the school’s Christmas Continental Market on December 8 at 7pm. The school is calling on the community to support what they believe will be “a magical night” for everyone. More than 30 local businesses will be displaying a range of crafts and presenting demonstrations. “The community are advised to come hungry,” said hte spokesperson, “as a wide range of continental food and drink will be available on the night. “Santa Claus will also be attending the market this year. For anyone interested in seeing him, he will be travelling through the town at 6.30pm, arriving by fire engine at 6:45pm sharp.

“After meeting and greeting all the local children he will then take his place in his grotto where individual children or families can have their photo taken with him and receive an early Christmas present. Lots of games and activities will be available on the night to keep the children entertained; a bouncy castle, face painting and arts and crafts, to mention a few.

“This is open to all members of the community; admission is free of charge. Please come along and help to make this a special Christmas experience for everyone and to help the pupils in Uganda continue to realise their dreams of secondary education.”