Three years ago, a RotaKids ‘swarm’ was created in the 240-pupil Biggar Primary School in South Lanarkshire, in the central lowlands of Scotland. A swarm in this school means a committee.
Not long after the group was started, a RotaKids event was held in Livingstone where an Aquabox filter demonstration was organised courtesy of long-standing Aquabox Ambassador, John Brown.
“The children were enchanted and inspired by what they saw,” explained Aquabox trustee, Roz Adamson. “They were asking questions such as ‘How can you get clean water from a dirty puddle?’.
“They then set themselves a target to raise enough money to buy a £25 family filter, but it soon became clear this was going to be exceeded in some way.
“A £600 total was reached before Christmas!”
This was a magnificent achievement for a small rural school, but these amazing RotaKids didn’t stop there.
I am staggered and very moved by the efforts of these young people and believe it to be an amazing testimony to the power of youth.”
All kinds of fundraisers were organised over the following two terms.
Mike Chad, a member of Biggar Rotary, was even visited at home by a small group of pupils bearing homemade cakes for sale. How could he refuse?
Lastly, as a grand finale, the RotaKids organised a sponsored up-hill walk. Through the advertising of this event, the Aquabox message was spread to the wider community.
At the end of all this wonderful effort of determination and imagination, Aquabox received a cheque for £2681.71. “This is one of our highest single donations,” added Roz.
“I am staggered and very moved by the efforts of these young people and believe it to be an amazing testimony to the power of youth.”
Class teacher, Gemma Barr, added: “I am super proud of my RotaKids’ swarm, other children in the school, the local community and our local Biggar Rotary who helped us reach our amazing total in support of Aquabox.”
