Rotarians send old rucksacks to help kids in war-torn countries (From Borehamwood Times)

Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club to take part in Mary's Meals project

5:10pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

Kind-hearted fundraisers have joined forces to help send rucksacks to slum children who are “hungry for education”.

Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club is taking part in the nationwide Mary’s Meals campaign to help send school equipment to kids living in poverty in Malawi and Liberia.

The club is hoping to collect at least 50 unwanted bags, as well as items such as pencils, colouring pens and books, to help kids in the war-torn countries go to school.

Rotarian David Clout, of Watling Knoll, Radlett, is hoping parents who bought their kids new schoolbags over Christmas will donate the old ones to their campaign.

The 71-year-old said: “Instead of throwing the old schoolbag out or leaving it to gather up dust in the room, a child in Malawi or Liberia could get so much use out of it.

“These kids are so hungry for education but they are living in so much poverty it is impossible for them to go to school.

“It is horrible to think we take things like pencils and pens for granted but kids out there have nothing to learn with.

“A simple rucksack filled with these goods could make so much difference. After all, they are the future so it is our duty to help them build a life for themselves.”

To take part in the campaign, fill an old children’s rucksack with items that a British child might take with them to school.

For more information, contact David Clout on 01923 854 403.