EveryChild
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Wolverhampton Girls' High School visit to Russia
It was an exciting time for my pupils at Wolverhampton Girls’ High School as we reached the Dinamika School for children with special needs in St Petersburg. In only a few moments time they would be meeting Evgenya, the child we sponsor in Russia.
Our school has been supporting EveryChild through sponsorship since 2001, with the girls generously each giving £1 a month. At the end of Year 7, students are given the opportunity of sponsoring 2 children the following year. The ones who choose to do so pay £1 a month throughout Year 8. Sponsorship then passes on to the new Year 8 the next year and so on.
When we first arrived at the school we were greeted by the Deputy Director, Andrei Mikhailovich. We were struck by the very open, cheerful way in which he welcomed us. Much to the girls’ excitement, Evgenya then arrived with a beautiful beaming smile and we had the overwhelming feeling of how happy and confident she was, a feeling which has stayed with us.
Andrei then showed us how they help develop the pupils’ physical abilities with therapy rooms, specialised gym equipment, and most impressive of all, a new indoor therapy pool. His care, compassion and sheer enthusiasm was incredibly uplifting. We also watched on a huge screen a wheelchair dancing competition in which past and present pupils as well as teachers took part. Their grace and elegance was simply outstanding. One of their former pupils is the wheelchair dance world champion. At the end of the visit we were treated to tea and biscuits in the canteen, another touch that made us feel very welcome.
The experience was very moving for us all. Evgenya was so keen to talk to us and take photos with us that we could not help but be struck by how positive an effect the school must have on the lives of the youngsters who attend it.
I would definitely recommend a visit to other sponsors. The girls got to see with their own eyes how important the work of EveryChild is and how their monthly gift has helped on a personal level. It’s easy to pay a small sum each month, knowing that you are doing some good, but without truly appreciating the extent of the real value of your gift.
If you are interested in learning more about going on a visit, please email our Sponsorship Team or call them on 020 7749 2480.