Rustington charity supporters take on My Prudential RideLondon to help Kenyan school through coronavirus

A Rustington charity is helping to keep spirits up at the Kenyan school it supports, as the battle with coronavirus continues.
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Friends of the Mombasa Children was founded in 2003 and by 2007, the charity had built Unity School, which now caters for 400 pupils.

Chairman Carol Groves wants to help the children and their families through Covid-19 and will be taking part in My Prudential RideLondon, riding 30 miles with charity supporter Steph Spanner on Saturday, August 15, to raise funds.

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Carol said: “As our fundraising activities have not been able to go ahead during the coronavirus pandemic, we have been looking at other ways to raise funds to help the children and teachers at the school in Mombasa that we support.

Friends of the Mombasa Children chairman Carol Groves, left, and charity supporter Steph Spanner are taking part in My Prudential RideLondonFriends of the Mombasa Children chairman Carol Groves, left, and charity supporter Steph Spanner are taking part in My Prudential RideLondon
Friends of the Mombasa Children chairman Carol Groves, left, and charity supporter Steph Spanner are taking part in My Prudential RideLondon

“I have been a trustee for Friends of the Mombasa Children since 2003. I came across a very poor school whilst on holiday with my family in 2000 and have supported them ever since.

“With help over the years from many supporters and a team of trustees, the school has grown and pupils are able to have a good education, food and medical help.

“However, during Covid-19 Unity School in Mombasa has really suffered and pupils and families have struggled to afford food and medical help. We want to see them through this difficult time and any donations for our 30-mile bike ride would be wonderful.”

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Unity School is situated in Freretown, which is not a slum area, but many of the children live in the Kisumu or Bombolulu slums and walk from there to school.

Norbert Werre, school manager, said: “Coronavirus came with tremendous challenges that affected our school greatly. This caught us unaware and in consultation with FOMC trustees, we came up with ways of mitigating the challenges.

“We have consulted with parents, requesting their help in providing paper packs of assignments for the pupils as very few parents have internet access. Some parents are able to give some financial help and we are grateful to FOMC for their financial help.

“In addition, with their help, we are able to support those families in desperate need with a food parcel each month. Our medical aid is continuing at least for the next few months.

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“We are very thankful that we have access to the internet at the school and can keep in communication with FOMC. Their support has kept our spirits up.”

As the school is owned by the charity, it is not as vulnerable as many others, and the Friends in Rustington are pleased to know the children still have their teachers and a hospital to access free treatment.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CarolGroves5 to make a donation and find Friends of the Mombasa Children on Facebook for updates on the bike ride.

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