My name is Michael Nixon and I am an ex student of King Alfred school, and I have come back to try and raise some money for an orphanage that is located in South America, the country of Colombia, where I live during winter periods.

It is an excellent opportunity for myself, Mr Ellis, King Alfred school, and most importantly you to have an opportunity to alleviate poverty and environmental degradation. The main focus is through education, health care, nutrition, income generation and conservation. The reason I say most importantly you, is because you will be the ones raising the money, and I really need your help.

The way I hope to raise this money is very simple, and that is to have a wear what you like day for all the students of King Alfred school. I hope to raise over £1000, this will bring so much happiness to the children who live in the orphanage and to the people who care for the children who have dedicated their lives to this project.

Antorchas de Vida orphanage (Torches of life) was established in 2001 by husband and wife Luis and Lucy. They initially gained funding from many sources to purchase a house to accommodate the children they wished to help. The house is in a nice, safe residential area with a park nearby where the children can safely play outdoors. Antorchas de Vida is now home to 68 children from 2 to 17 years old, many of the children are from the street, from very poor families or from parents with various problems that do not allow them to care for their children.

The project also still supports people living on the streets by providing food, contact and love. The project is respected and trusted by the people living on the streets and occasionally when possible, children are invited to stay at the project.

We aim to buy at least one computer for the children who can therefore access the internet and use programmes that are educational for the children. As you all know, the internet provides an excellent way to gather information and is a great tool for learning and also aim to buy stationary sets and board games.

I have seen with my own eyes that these children need help, i go back in November to offer my help and this could be a start of something great and we should all be proud of being apart of it.

Thank you.

Michael Nixon.