A charity golf day raised ?4,277.49 for an African primary school with links to the Isle of Man. The fundraiser, organised by local Standard Bank employee, Jody Smith, was in aid of Mifumi Primary School in Uganda.
Jody organised the event after visiting the school last year as part of Standard Bank’s sponsorship. ‘We’ve sent staff to Uganda for the past two years so that we could see first hand how we can best help the school. This year we wanted to further the links between Isle of Man schools and Mifumi, so we have brought Mifumi to our island. I’m really pleased that they were able to receive the cheque in person as well as visit several schools and the Education department here.’
The golf fundraiser was held at Mount Murray golf Club, Santon on May 12th. It saw nine teams taking part and sponsorship came from: Paragon Recruitment, Ramsey Crookall, Typhoon House, SMP Partners, Tower Insurance Company Ltd, Buchanan and Bridson & Horrox Group.
Mifumi school gives hope and a future to over 700 children in a remote community and Standard Bank has been sponsoring the charity since 2013, Chris Till, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Bank, Isle of Man said: ‘For us, as Africa’s largest bank, it’s a natural connection, but we want to encourage links between our Isle of Man children and those in Mifumi to create greater understanding between the two communities. The golf event received tremendous support locally, so on behalf of the bank I would like to thank all the sponsors, participants and Mount Murray Golf Club as well as all the businesses that provided prizes for the raffle. To get it into perspective, each hole that was sponsored will feed 20 children for a whole term, the money really will make a difference.’
From 14th to 17th May, Mifumi pupil, Sylivia Adikin, headmaster, Bernard Onyango and Mifumi charity Co-ordinator, Beatrice Atyang visited the Isle of Man. It was the first time Sylivia and Bernard had been out of Uganda. They visited Ballasalla Primary School and Castle Rushen school where they talked with pupils and teachers. Both schools have already established penpal and skype links with Mifumi.
They also visited the Education Department where they met with Education Minister, Tim Crookall MHK; CEO, Prof Ronald Barr and Director, Geoff Moorcroft. Bernard was impressed with how beautiful the island is and asked where all the Isle of Man’s rubbish goes as he could not believe how clean the streets and roads are. The pair spoke to Standard Bank staff, thanking them for their fundraising efforts, as well as fitting in some leisure activities. Even a visit to the supermarket was a big event for Sylivia who was overwhelmed by the differences in the two cultures.
Further information can be found at: www.mifumischool.com and donations can still be made via the website.
