Richard and Claire Budd from Dorchester have raised just under £100,000 since August 2008 with the help of hundreds of people of all ages across Dorset. They are still raising money for the running costs of approx £30k per year and you can help, please go to www.GraceSecondarySchool.com to find out more. They are just ordinary people working together to try to make a difference. Their mantra is "Cut the Crap and Make it Happen!"
The school is in arguably one of the most educationally needy places on the planet. Battered by 21 years of brutal civil war. Girls as well as boys have been given places. We are working with the local community to try to encourage more girls into education, it is a boarding school. Both Christians and Muslims are attending.
On a blistering hot day, with 3,000 people gathered and great celebration, Grace Secondary School was officially opened. Many of the visitors had travelled for hours to be a part of this extremely important ceremony. Local primary school children and choirs spent the best part of a month preparing and the scorching air was filled with the sound of excitement, and hope.
As a choir of women dressed in red robes swayed in procession toward the doors, the Minister for Education cut the blue ribbon and the crowd erupted. Dancing, singing, pipe blowing, walking on stilts, costumes made from palm leaves and white paint adorning legs and faces. The movement created a swirl of red dust on the baked land beneath their springing feet. There were speeches, thank you's and handmade gifts to bring home. And, in a place that has seen the destruction and horror of brutal civil war, the sound of laughter.
The school has taken on 120 young students, male and female, Christian and Muslim and we are committed to support them with fundraising to assist with teachers' pay and students' food. We are asking people to join us and become Friends of Grace, by paying monthly standing order. Our aim is to find 150 people to give £300 per year – that's about a fiver a week. But any amount would be extremely welcome. Every single penny you donate goes straight to the school. We do not take a penny for administration or expenses of any kind. Please email Claire@GraceSecondarySchool.com if you would like to find out more.
