Put Yourself in Their Shoes

It may be ten years since the Rwanda atrocities, where thousands of civilians were massacred in only a matter of days. But the people of that country are still living with the legacy of genocide: the survivors of the destruction are still trying to rebuild their lives.

Now pupils at Lampton School have partnered up with their counterparts at near-namesake Hampton to raise awareness of the atrocities and funds for the victims.

The “Put Yourself in Their Shoes” campaign, which begins in November to mark the tenth anniversary of the genocide, will see local pupils involved in a range of activities and fundraising events especially aiming to help children in orphanage camps. With no adult survivors around, Rwandan youngsters are forced into acting as parents, sisters, brothers and friends. Each child wants an education - but schools are few and far between - too distant to walk to, especially when children cannot afford to buy shoes.

The survivors of the genocide are working alongside the two London schools to help raise funds and collect donations for shoes for the children, “We don’t want to seem likes it’s us better than them, we are working with the survivors,” explains Ms Arnott, Head of history at Lampton School and one of the campaign organisers. “Collecting shoes for the children is a massive step because it’s allowing them to gain the education they need.” This campaign is an independent project that has direct links to the people in Rwanda, which means all money raised and all the shoes donated will go directly to the people who need them.

Project organisers are now on the hunt for individuals to represent their ideas and help their cause. Celebrities, business pioneers or other high-profile individuals would be welcome not as financial contributor but as figureheads to help gather support. The “Put Yourself in Their Shoes” teams would be immensely grateful for any support for what is going to be a fun, yet fulfilling campaign.

Contact A.Lawrence@hamptonschool.org.uk.