A few things are beginning to happen with regards to the Year 8 studies in RE. We are working hard to bring together our learning to develop and run a Prayer Gathering which promotes YES Arusha and identifies the impact of poverty in our world.

As part our preparations four students volunteered to bring you some of their insights into the learning from this term, Ella, Olivia, Lochlan and Thomas contributed the ideas below.

What have we learned about poverty?

Living in Poverty is a terrible place to be. YES Arusha focuses its efforts in the Arusha region of Tanzania which sits at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro.  Our Year 8 Cohort has found out that 49.1% of Tanzania is living in poverty and 70% or more live at the maximum if $2 a day compared to our 13.1% rate of relative poverty in Australia. The impact of poverty leads to children being uneducated as the little to no money they have doesn’t extend to school fees. This lack of education makes many children and adults vulnerable to harsh realities of poverty. If an education was provided, they could access employment more easily and bring their skills back to their village to make a difference for the future generations.

What are the MDG's?

Let me explain what the MDG's are. Well, the MDG's stand for Millennium Development Goals. MDG's have 8 goals that they wished to accomplish by 2015, but as we know they are still trying. However, the dint they put into world poverty is amazing. These goals include eradicating extreme hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, Combat HIV/Aids,  malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and develop a global partnership for development. This United Nations initiative continues today along with a wide and varied range of other programs including YES Arusha.

How is OLSCC connected to Yes Arusha and poverty?

Through Mr Gillespie’s connection to YES Arusha and Lachie Millers time spent at the College over the years, a strong bond has been created. Each year, Grade 8 students have studied the effects of poverty and how they can support those affected by poverty.

Through this learning we have found that the College and its community have been wonderful supporters of YES Arusha. This continued to inspire them to fundraise in order to give the kids in Tanzania an education. Two of the many children without education, were Kelvin and Baraka. We fundraised enough money to get both of them through their schooling years, and now they are in university making a difference. With your help, this Year 8 cohort is attempting to raise enough money to initiate the first OLSCC Scholarship.

Why are the Haradali School  Scholarships important to the children in Tanzania?

School scholarships are important for children in Tanzania. People like Lachlan Miller, and the committee of the Yes Arusha organisation are trying to provide the opportunity for secondary education. This program is conducted in partnership with Haradali Secondary School, which is widely known to be among the best schools in the country. A scholarship provides the recipient with funding for four years of secondary schooling with boarding included. By a child receiving a scholarship to secondary school they have a high chance to escape the poverty cycle.

“Can you help us out, click on the link below.”

Give Now to Yes Arusha

The Goal - $6 500 which covers the education of a child for 4 years.

Steve Gillespie