The health and wellbeing of our community starts with our young people and an important aspect of their wellbeing is ensuring they have access to good education with the best possible facilities. This is why we’re supporting The Pen Network, an independent charitable organisation that aims to improve the life chances of African children. Currently they are fundraising for the Odoi Atsem Memorial Preparatory School in Ghana to help this school with much-needed infrastructural work
ODOI ATSEM SCHOOL, Ghana
The school was set up by well-meaning individuals because there were no schools in their area which meant children didn’t attend school as it was too expensive for them to travel outside the community. The fees at the school are a fraction of what they would have to pay at other private schools ensuring that as many children as possible can access a high standard of education. Although it’s private, the school uses the national curriculum but is also committed to providing African centred learning. Much of its funds come from the parents, relatives and friends of the staff, especially the Headmaster, Mr Percy Gogoe.
During the rainy season the local area experiences terrible flooding and the school has to close for many reasons, one of which is the poor sanitation which is made worse by the flooding. This inability to install an effective sanitation system means they have been subjected to paying fines from their already meagre income.
The Pen Network Aims to Help
The Pen Network is aiming to raise £3000. This is needed for the completion of the school’s infrastructure, including the roof, the toilet facilities and waste disposal system. The waste disposal system will help with the drainage of stagnant water, which breeds mosquitoes and increases risk of malaria. The children do not complain. They are happy to be at school, no matter what the conditions, but The Pen Network believes that by coming together we help them learn in a much better environment and are seeking your support to achieve this.
How You Can Help
The Pen Network have some exciting activities planned to help reach their £3,000 target. The aim is to do something charitable, whilst having fun and getting fit and healthy. Check out the challenges below and see what inspires you. They are all designed with maximum fun, fitness and health in mind. You can take part as an individual, organisation or a group of friends.
1. Vegan/Raw Health Challenge
Join The Pen Network’s members for this healthy eating, lifestyle changing activity. You decide how long you want to do the challenge for but it must be between 1-4 weeks.You can either do a strictly vegan, combine vegan and raw meals or really go for it and do a strictly raw diet. Get as many of your family and friends to sponsor you.
Starts: 31st March 2017
2. The Bicycle Ride Challenge
How about a cycle challenge in collaboration with us, The Lake Foundation. You will need a bike to take part. Get your family and friends to sponsor you and get fit cycling.
Where: Croydon, South London
When: 29th April 2017
Duration: 4 hours
3. 10k Run
For the die-hards, you can join The Pen Network members in a 10K challenge.
Where: to be confirmed
When: May
Duration:It’s up to you 😉
4. The Big Soul line Dance
The Pen Network’s Big Soul Line Dance in the park will give you the chance to learn some new grooves whilst raising funds for educational needs. Sponsored by Johmard Fitness & Dance.
Cost: £5.00 to take part
When: In summer, to be confirmed
Where: A lovely park in London, to be confirmed
5. Do your own!
Do you have an idea or challenge you want to share? Tell The Pen Network about it and get your friends to sponsor you. The duration of the challenge is up to you but it must be completed by the end of May.
6. Sponsor The Pen Network as an Organisation
If you are an organisation that shares an interest in The Pen Network’s cause, why not sponsor them? A great benefit will be the opportunity for some team bonding by getting your staff involved in our challenges. At the end of our activities, we’ll invite you to share your success story. Speak to The Pen Network about how you can work together on this and other projects
More Information
For more information on how to take part you can contact The Pen Network by:
Email: thepennetwork@gmail.com
Phone: 07950 308 033
Twitter – @thepennetwork
Facebook – thepennetwork
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