2nd May 14
Generous parents of DLD College London students have taken part in a charity raffle, raising £2,791 so far in much-needed funds for the Chileleko Community School in Zambia, Africa.
Hosted at the college’s Marylebone campus, the raffle was part of a celebration evening for parents to mark the end of a successful academic year for their sons and daughters, while providing a helping hand to those not so fortunate.
The event saw personal training sessions, beautiful jewellery and spa treatments among the many delightful items won in return for raffle tickets bought.
On the evening, DLD alumnus Will Nichol gave an emotional speech on the Chileleko Community School, explaining why it was such drastic need of help and in what ways the money raised from the event could help the students at the school.
Chileleko Community School can teach up to 300 pupils, but the numbers of attendees have been falling dramatically as it is in desperate need of repairs and structural work. Parents believe that if the children are not going to receive a good education because of a lack of books or teaching facilities, then it is not worth their child walking the 6km to school when they could be working at home and helping provide for the family.
The money will be used for urgently needed repairs, such as new paint and refurbishment of the floors and windows, as well as buying new books and desks for the school, helping to transform the school entirely.
Principal at DLD College London, Rachel Borland, said: “I am delighted that the celebration evening raffle was such a success and to have raised over £2,791 for the Chileleko Community School in Zambia. This is an excellent boost for our chosen charity, which has been struggling to provide even basic supplies, so this should help provide new books and stationary, and encourage the children to attend school.”
It is hoped that the amount raised will increase after a further drive at the annual End of Year Awards ceremony this afternoon at Marylebone Parish Church.