Hayling children support girl in orphanage 1,500 miles away

(L-r) Persian Woods (5), Georgina Chevis (6), Sophie Brown (5) and Toby Pyatt (5) decorating their cupcakes Picture: Sarah Standing (160106-8782)

The pupils at Mengham Infants School in Hayling Island were being taught the value of money when teacher Barbara Hemsley asked how they would like to raise money for something they could use in the classroom.

But instead of computer equipment or new games, they chose to help a child ‘without a mummy and daddy’.

Barbara Hemsley said of her Year 1 Crabs class pupils: ‘We were very proud of them for suggesting that.

‘It began as part of our personal and social education, trying to teach our children about the value of money.

‘Each month a different class are asked to choose something for which they want to raise money and then think of different ways they can raise the money.

‘They are then expected to count the money and work out if they have a shortfall or an overspend.’

She added: ‘They amazed us with their thoughtfulness and generosity. Together we researched charities on the internet and found SOS Children’s Villages.

‘They provide care homes for children whose parents have died or cannot look after them.’

The children sponsor five-year-old Iryna in Belarus, near Russia, who lives in a care home with nine other children.

They must raise £20 a month to support her and have thrown themselves into fundraising with cake sales, table top sales and raffles. They have even sold their old toys.

Harry Spratt, six, said: ‘We’re raising money by baking cakes.

‘It’s for children who do not have a home and who don’t go to school.’

And classmate Katie Bailey, also six, said: ‘We’re raising money so the little girl can have her own house and go to school.

‘She is five. I would feel a bit sad if I didn’t have a house and couldn’t go to school and we want to make things better for her.’

The cake sales have been going so well that the children have already raised enough to support the little girl for a year. Their aim now is to raise £240 to support her for two years.

Cakes are sold after school and the children have lots of fun making them during the day.

Mrs Hemsley added: ‘Everyone at the school is so proud of their determination.’