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My story

 

Education means the earth: scholarships for secondary education in Ethiopia 

Tragically, Simon Thirgood died when the building he was in collapsed during a storm. He was in Ethiopia setting up a project to build community capacity conserving and monitoring biodiversity. Simon was deeply committed in supporting African ecologists and conservation biologists to gain the experience and skills to make a mark and a difference in their own countries and internationally.

In Simon's memory, I want to try and make a difference from an earlier age. To date we have been involved in providing funds for desks and windows in the Rira Primary School, in the Harenna Forest, Bale Mountain National Park, Ethiopia. Now, through donations to the Born Free Foundation, we have a mechanism to provide bursaries to enable some children to attend the secondary school outside of the park, something they would not usually be able to do. Just £500 will keep a pupil in the secondary school for a whole year, including fees, board and lodgings, and uniform. This will provide individuals with the qualifications to pursue alternative livelihoods and reduce the pressure of settlement and degradation of the Harenna Forest, in particular. The wider benefits of this education has the potential to influence the well-being of their communities, and the sustainability of their natural environment for generations to come. Something Simon would have cherished.

Karen Laurenson

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With lots of love from Ian, Kt, John and Harri Donation by Katie Mcfarland 16/11/09  

Simon gave an inspiring lecture earlier this year at Aberdeen uni which was thoroughly enjoyed by all! Donation by Kelly Ann Dempsey 06/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by Anon 06/11/09  

Great loss to the community. Simon will be sadly missed. Donation by Ward Cooper 04/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Karen, our deepest sympathy. Thinking of you all from the hill in Darcy. Donation by Abbe Brown 03/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

With great sadness and many fond memories. Donation by Sultana Bashir 01/11/09  

Karen, we met many years ago, but our hearts go to you and your kids. We would like to support of this initiative with a gift from Chile... Donation by Jerry and Pia 31/10/09  

£50.00

Donation by Jacob Hoglund 28/10/09  

£25.00

Donation by Bob Smith 19/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

I worked with Simon for just a few months at Langholm, but benefitted from his ability to inspire and help young ecologists. Thank you Simon. Donation by Matthew Denny 16/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by james malcolm 15/10/09  

£50.00

Missing you Donation by Sarah Durant 14/10/09  

With love and fond memories. Donation by Andrew MacColl 14/10/09  

Donation by Barb Mable and Dan Haydon 13/10/09  

With fond memories and sadness. Donation by Henry & Kirsten 13/10/09  

£50.00

Donation by Peter & Mary Hudson 12/10/09  

£100.00

With wonderful memories of Simon Donation by Meggan Craft 12/10/09  

From the Wilson Family, Dunbar Donation by Brian Wilson 12/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Our deepest sympathies. Your neighbours Lewis & Shaeron Donation by SHAERON SMITH 09/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by Ian, Helen and Andrew 08/10/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Whilst we didn't know Simon well, he always had a smile on his face (even at the gym)! Our thoughts are with Karen, Pippa & Katie xx Donation by Christine & Andrew Fyfe 08/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

An inspiring guy! Donation by Jos Milner 07/10/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Donation by David Gower 06/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

My heart goes out to Simon's family and friends. An inspiring colleague to so many. Donation by Pamela Strang 05/10/09  

Donation by Frankie Clare 05/10/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Donation by Julia Jones and Neal Hockley 04/10/09  

£150.00 + £42.31 Gift Aid

With my deepest sympathy. Donation by Aleks Maljkovic 02/10/09  

£50.00

My deepest sympathies to Simon's family. Although a long time ago, I have many fond memories of his ever present smile. Donation by David Wood 02/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

His work was an inspiration! Donation by Alan McElligott 02/10/09  

no words, just thoughts and small actions Donation by anonymous 01/10/09  

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* Total raised online: £14,043.00
  Offline donations: £0.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £3,305.08

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