VINCENTIA High School students are making a difference, not just in their own community but around the world.
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Late last year, a number of year 7 and 8 students took part in the RUMAD program, which stands for RU Making a Difference.
Students created groups to tackle local, national or international issues by either raising awareness or funds for their cause.
Under the guidance of teachers Maryann Meehan and Gerry Brown, the students spent a term deciding on their issues and planning their campaigns before launching their efforts.
A presentation at the school on Tuesday, attended by a number of parents, highlighted the students’ efforts.
Students tackled a variety of issues including raising awareness of malaria and fundraised $250 for vaccinations in Africa; raised funds for a new roof on a school at the Sunrise Children’s Village in Cambodia; $270 for local and Sydney RSPCA; $800 for the Shoalhaven District Hospital children’s ward; $170 to help save the Amazon rainforest; raised enough money to send two students in Bali to school for a whole year and close to $260 for the Shoalhaven Homeless Hub to provide adult and children’s toiletry packs, as well as blankets and beanies.
Students also raised awareness about Asian elephants, the plight of the orang-utan, helping African farmers to gain proper footwear to tackle foot diseases, water aid and supporting Australian farmers by purchasing a bale of fodder.
Students held events to raise awareness, speaking to the incoming year 7 students during their visits to the school and held fundraising events such as cake stalls, movie and popcorn days and even stalls at local markets,.
Students Tiana Bennett, Madeleine Cooper and Hayden Regent presented their efforts in raising funds for the Shoalhaven Homeless Hub for toiletry packs to hub manager Kerri Snowden.
“Having listened to what the students have achieved, they should be very proud,” Mrs Snowden said.
“I think it is wonderful we have students willing to make a difference,” she said.
“Since we opened on November 1 last year we have given out more than 200 toiletry packs and this donation will be a great help.
“Not only have they raised awareness of a number of issues but also raised funds to try and help.”
Mrs Meehan said she was proud of the students’ efforts.
“The way they all got in and worked together, overcame obstacles they faced and in the end had positive outcomes, not only here but around the world was fantastic,” she said.
“The kids really were tireless in their efforts.”