Sixth form students raise thousands for girls education charity

l to r: Anna Mackay, Head Girl, 18, Daisy Turnbull, Deputy HG, 17, Miss Olivia Miller, Development Assistant, Camfed, Lara Bird, Deputy HG, 17 and Blythe Scoates, Deputy HG, 18

Picture: Lucinda Webb — l to r: Anna Mackay, Head Girl, 18, Daisy Turnbull, Deputy HG, 17, Miss Olivia Miller, Development Assistant, Camfed, Lara Bird, Deputy HG, 17 and Blythe Scoates, Deputy HG, 18 Picture: Lucinda Webb

Portsmouth High School has raised more than Â£8,000 for the girls education charity, Camfed.

The head girl team presented Olivia Miller from Camfed, with a cheque for £8,354.68.

The team spearheaded fundraising activities throughout the year to generate money and raise awareness of their chosen charity.

Head girl Anna Mackay, 18, said: ‘A trip to Zimbabwe in 1990 was a revelation for Ann Cotton, a Girls’ Day School Trust alumna, and marked the start of an organisation that has supported more than three million children and young people in the poorest parts of Africa.

‘As a team, we were inspired by her story and wanted  to support the charity, Camfed.

‘Raising such a huge amount of money for Camfed has been a great achievement as a sixth form team, especially being such worthwhile cause.

‘It was a great opportunity to meet Ann Cotton, the founder of the charity.

‘As a sixth form the whole experience has given us skills we will take on as we leave Portsmouth High School as well as making some unforgettable memories. It has made our last year at Portsmouth High truly special.’

Miss Miller said: ‘Thank you so much for this generous cheque.

‘Camfed has never had such a large amount raised by a school before and this cheque, in excess of £8,000 will enable 55 girls to be educated in Africa.

‘This will not just educate the girls but uplift whole communities.

‘This amount of money has no bounds with bringing about changes to these girls’ lives. It will not only bring education but hope to many.’