My name is Ruairi and I'm a sixth form student at St. Ignatius College in Enfield.

Throughout my time at the College we have been reminded of our role in society to be men for others; to act, not solely for our own interests but also for those of the people around us, for the greater glory of God. There is no greater opportunity for us to enact these principles than for the benefit of less fortunate children in Tanzania. This July, I will be one of the few students fortunate enough to be representing the College in a visit to our sister school, St Ignatius Prep & Primary in Dodoma, Tanzania.

St. Ignatius Prep accepts children who cannot afford the school fees under a scholarship scheme called Sossy’s kids. These are the least privileged children from the local area, and it is only from continual fundraising from the parent school I attend in Enfield that these children have the opportunity to attend a primary school. It is this access to primary education at St. Ignatius that uniquely means they are taught English, a vital skill in preparation to go on towards secondary school and further education, which are taught only in English, offering a route to higher careers, out of poverty. For us students, whilst in Tanzania, we will be contributing our part by lesson planning and teaching in Dodoma for two weeks, and by organising a sports day.

However, there are essential costs we must raise (flights and malaria nets for example). I would greatly appreciate any support you may offer, as small as it may seem, to enable for our visit to take place. It is important to remember that, in some way, your contribution will benefit a child in Tanzania and provide them with a hopeful future.

Thank you very much – or, as they say in Tanzania, Asante Sana!