'In our Dean Close community, we see it as a privilege to share what we have with our Ugandan friends. We therefore seek to put on termly events to raise funds. Primarily, this happens through the 'Uganda Group' , which meets weekly to plan and organise the fundraisers. It is incredible to see that whether it's a big fashion show or a simple bake sale, the school community are willing to support and the donations that reach our link school really do make a difference. In the past we have contributed towards building classrooms, dormitories and a laboratory, and buying books, science equipment and sports equipment. Every penny counts!'
The past year has seen some big events in our fundraising calendar. For our Evening of Murderous Mystery last term, the group penned an intricate plot, featuring the devilish deeds of Cluedo characters such as Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard and Professor Plum. However, there was a twist: the Headmaster was the murder victim, and each of the suspects, a member of the school community (eg. Rev Green was the School Chaplain, Mrs White a History teacher, etc.) Guests, as they enjoyed a dinner of canapés, lasagne and delectable chocolate brownies, were treated to news reels, live interviews, CCTV footage, clues and photographs, as they tried to unravel the mystery. Eventually, two teams cracked it and prizes were awarded.
This Michealmas term saw another big fundraiser, this time with Reaching Orphans for Care in mind. Whilst we normally raise funds for Nyakatakura’s general development (buildings, equipment, books...) this term we saw the need to facilitate the care of the many orphans studying at the school. Sixth former, Amy Hayes and the rest of the group decided to put on a charity concert to raise money to allow Dennis, who oversees and cares for our orphans at Nyakatakura, to continue in his work to a high standard, pasturing to the orphans and ensuring that they have all the right equipment and care to enable them to get the most out of their studies. Amy arranged for Ashok Gupta, OD, to give a recital in the PMH, and this was attended by an audience of over one hundred. Ashok was utterly superb, with a programme which ranged from Bach to Liszt, and the evening raised in excess of £750 – enough to enable Dennis to continue in his great work for years to come. Huge thanks go to Amy and the Uganda Group for all their hard work.
And next term? Sam Prance is heading up a plan to do a Uganda Revue, featuring song and dance routines, drama, comedy and much, much more. So watch this space!
If you would like to make a donation to the Dean Close Uganda Appeal, or attend one of our events, please contact kemiller@deanclose.org.uk – we would love to hear from you!