On Friday 28 April, every boy in Year 12 and 13 took to the swimming pool (despite the less than beautiful weather) to walk the length of the pool, constantly, for six hours. The aim of this rather unusual task? To raise money for Gap Africa, in a mammoth-effort called ‘Walk for Water’. College House Housemaster, and Head of Sixth Form, Mr Richard Curtis, shares the following report on a successful money-making afternoon for the incredible charity:
‘Shiplake has a long-standing relationship with the Kikunduku Schools’ Project and, in support of all of the fantastic work achieved in Kenya, College House runs a fundraising event of its own every year. The primary aim of the House’s charitable efforts is to raise funds to subsidise the education of children from one of our associated schools; children who still, on occasion, have to walk miles every day for both their education and their water supplies. In recognition of these daily struggles, the College House boys decided symbolically to walk for two hours each up and down the College swimming pool. After little less than an hour it was clear that all the boys were able to comprehend the enormity of their African counterparts’ daily lives, and how blessed they are to live in the comfort that they often take for granted. As the pain and drudgery of this routine told, Kerim Philliskirk took to the tunes and lightened the atmosphere with a series of cheesy 80s songs. And, rather than walking up and down the pool, the College House boy started walking in circles and creating a washing machine effect (leaving one of two individuals somewhat cleaner than when they started!).
Following their exploits in the water, Kerim took to the barbecue and rewarded the efforts of our participants with a comforting array of sausages and burgers to restore depleted carbohydrate levels, before enjoying yet more home comforts in the form of chocolate cake. Each pupil was tasked with raising £20.00 in sponsorship for the charity, and the House hope to raise in excess of £1,000 for the education programme that Gap Africa has established over the years. Congratulations to all involved; it was a great afternoon to reflect upon how lucky we all are.’