The Ethiopian Connection

I first became interested in Self Help Development when Daithi O hAodha came to talk to our class on 7th October. Daithi is a leading figure in the charity organisition. He talked to us about Ethiopia and the terrible poverty of the people. He was asking us to take part in a programme which requires us to raise £7,000 in three years.

After seeing the poor people of Ethiopia we decided to do it. We immediately started fundraising by doing "Pennies From Heaven" in our school. As the Euro was just coming in, everyone had change they needed to get rid off. So we raised a lot of money from this. We also held a number of non-uniform days in the school and a quiz in which the whole school took part. Also, many thanks to Mr. Nolan as he held a Poker Classic in his house with his friends and he raised a lot of money for the cause.

With all the fundraising done so far we have raised over £2,000 already. We still have over two years to raise the rest of the money. Ms. Boyle is helping us to raise the money and a student from our class, along with Ms. Boyle will get to travel to Ethiopia to see what exacely we are raising money for. Luckly enough my name was picked out of the hat so I got choosen to go.

Nine other schools from around the country are doing the same program so we are all leaving for Ethiopia on 15th February and returning on 26th February. I am very excited about going and I am sure it will be an experience that I will never forget. Watch this site and I will keep you posted.

Daniel Martyn.