Following SI Elmbridge’s successful motion at the Federation Conference in Gateshead in 2006 “Clubs across the Federation each endeavour to form a link with a school to work constructively to assist in the development and education of girls or women” was the starting point for establishing a formal link with a school in our Borough. Annette Calver, Headteacher of Burhill Community Infant School in Hersham came to talk to the members about ways Soroptimist International of Elmbridge could make a link with the school to support their educational activities.
In September 2006 the Government announced plans for Extended Schools that will offer a range of services to meet the needs of children, families and the local community. Burhill School was identified as an Extended School with a Children’s Centre offering high quality childcare, parenting support, easy referral to specialist services and a programme of activities including a Breakfast Club and an After School Club. Twelve members volunteered their services and for almost three years have been listening to children read, reading stories and using their artistic skills to support the children and staff. In the recent excellent Ofsted Inspection Report it was noted that “The regular voluntary support given to children with their reading contributes well to the good progress that they make.”
Members also help with the Baby Clinic held in the Children’s Centre by providing support to Mothers who have more than one child and find it difficult to perform a multitude of tasks as well as ensuring their children are safe. The Centre offers a seamless integrated service and information for children under five and their families.
Burhill School also benefit from the support of members of SI Elmbridge on Make a Difference Day – the day set aside each year to encourage people all over the UK to volunteer in their local community. A strong team arrive early in the morning with gardening tools, plants, pots and compost and spend the day working really hard tidying up the window boxes and flowerbeds and making everywhere look very smart. Five trees have also been planted in the school grounds to compensate for the carbon footprints of members. The gardening now continues throughout the year.
All our members are so enthusiastic about this Education Project – two members are now School Governors and strong links have been formed with the children they support – the children’s faces light up as they enter the class room – it has been a most rewarding achievement.
SI of Elmbridge continue to support the work of an ex member (who has moved to another club) who supports schools in the Valley of a Thousand Hills in South Africa. She takes teenagers from UK schools to work with the local children in their schools every summer and also provides facilities through funds donated by supporters. On hearing that many of the children cannot concentrate on their work through hunger it was decided to provide funds to supply breakfast to the children. Working with Alresford Rotarians a special raffle was organised. The first prize was an apartment in Cannes for a week and there were 12 runners up prizes of very fine bottles of claret. There were only 100 tickets at £10 each, raising £1000, which will go a long way in South Africa.