USPG’s pencil case appeal for Swaziland schools

Tuesday October 9th 2012

USPG Ireland is trying to send filled pencil cases to children in Swazi schools and is appealing for help.

USPG Ireland is an Anglican mission agency working in partnership with the Diocese of Swaziland which manages 26 schools: 22 primary and four secondary, educating more than 11,000 pupils

Each pencil case should contain the following:
PENCILS – They don’t have to be new, but not too short, and nice and sharp.
COLOURED PENCILS – Again, not too short, and different colours!
A SHARPENER – It’s good to put a sharpener in, so that the boy or girl who gets your pencil case can keep the pencils sharp.
A RUBBER – Just in case of mistakes!
AND A €2 OR £2 COIN – To help get the pencil cases to Swaziland and to buy paper there.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic and the economic crisis in Swaziland have both contributed to the lack of investment in education in the area. Conditions in schools are basic, and there are few resources.

Many children come from homes where the head of the household is either a child or a grandparent, and families struggle to feed children, pay school fees and buy uniforms.

The introduction of free primary education for grades 1–4 has resulted in overcrowded classrooms and 18–year–olds in class with six–year–olds.

A full pencil case will be a wonderful gift for the young person that receives it.

If you can help, please contact Gerry at 079 17818640 or Linda at 086 8586337 or for more information go to http://db.tt/4cUZ8Zli