Volunteering pupils enjoy rewarding work during this term's Field Day

Yesterday’s Field Day saw 180+ energetic volunteering students out and about in the local community for the day. 

We ran a varied programme and managed to visit six local schools in Shrewsbury and started a new programme at The Discovery Academy in Stoke.  Alongside this our Restart Africa volunteers spent the time preparing Christmas gifts for their mentees, our Christmas Fair group worked steadily on products to sell at our Christmas Fair on December 1^st , 20 students spent the day working in local charity shops, another group mucked in (literally!) at the Owls Trust in Llandudno, the Beekeepers helped out at the local apiary, preparing hives for the winter and we continued to visit the Mount Care Home to spread good cheer and share stories with the elderly. 

As always, I marvel at our student’s dedication as they continue to take on these tasks with true Salopian good cheer and commitment supported by our industrious teachers.

On the morning of Field Day morning I was very grateful to Kariman Yakhoul, from Shopshire Supports Refugees who gave an in-depth presentation to our pupils about the current refugee crisis.  We covered the political and economic challenges concerning asylum seekers and refugees as well as sharing first hand stories about how refugees adapt to life in Shropshire.  She explained why we run our Shrewsbury School Homework and Football Clubs and the lifeline that they offer young people in Shrewsbury.

Elsewhere Anabella S-B (MSH, LVI) and Mia H (G, LVI) were busy putting together Christmas presents for the children at Restart Africa.

The girls said: “We shopped for Christmas presents for the children in Restart, chipping in money from ourselves, and finding various items around town. We bought items suited for the girls we talk to every week on Thursday activities and the boxes will kindly be brought over to Kenya over the Christmas holidays.

“Later we did our usual Zoom call with the children, aged around 10-13 which we very much look forward to. Each week we chat to a group of children, who live at Restart. We chat to a group of 5 girls, whilst the others chat to 4 boys.

“The girls are always so full of joy and enthusiasm, it is a real pleasure to share in their day and hear about their activities in the past week. Joyce, Faith, Tabitha, Demaris and Monica particularly love singing and getting us to dance which is a great source of entertainment for us all!

“Interacting with the children at Restart Africa has been extremely valuable and the bonds created with them is truly rewarding. The children are usually in underprivileged situations and any chance to contribute to Restart is important, even if it is just having a conversation with them each week or buying Christmas gifts and it seems the children really enjoy it.

“Living in different countries and environments and seeing how much they laugh is an important reminder for me to find the joy in every day. Particularly Joyce (Jojo) who is 10 years old and often giggling! Getting the opportunity to call the children at Restart is not just about helping them learn English but making genuine connections with a lovely group of young girls”.

Grace C (EDH. LVI) added: “On Thursdays Field Day, we went to The Owls Trust in North Wales. Upon arrival, we received a very friendly welcome from the lady in charge (and her dog Collin) and she offered an intriguing and educational tour around the sanctuary. Allowing us to take a glimpse of the magnificent and exotic owls, including endangered species. 

“For the volunteering element, we had the opportunity to work among the habitat of the owls. Although weeding and cleaning might not sound glamorous, it is crucial to contributing to a safe and nurturing environment for the owls. The work is slightly demanding, but the rewards are plentiful. We learnt about wildlife management and ecology insights, volunteering with peers also encouraged our bonding and connections. An opportunity of planting bulbs was also given, and we eagerly anticipate to see how the yellow daffodils bloom as Spring arrives, as a testament to our efforts.

“Overall, our Field Day was not only about volunteering, it was also an opportunity to learn valuable skills and immerse ourselves in nature, not to mention the delightful ice cream treat at the end!”

Naomi Pritchard

Head of Charities and Volunteering