A NEW trust which hopes to make use of people's loose change to benefit schools in Ghana has been launched by Katrine Green and Adam Musgrave, of Bere Ferrers.
Katrina and Adam have visited ten Ghanaian schools in connection with their work on the West-Devon West-Africa Link — linking schools such as Bere Alston, Whitchurch and Meavy with Ghanaian partners.
They said that the majority were in dire need of support, with a huge lack of resources and dilapidated buildings where children provided their own chairs and desks — and even then had to share them with other pupils.
'Teachers were often apathetic and demotivated, largely due to very low wages, earning approximately £23 per month.
'It became ever more apparent that even small financial donations from the UK drastically improve the lives of individuals in that country,' they said.
Katrina and Adam said they had witnessed the huge impact charitable organisations made in Ghana and supported their activities, but their own approach was different.
'Considering the average wage in Ghana is 45p a day, with two calls from a payphone or one chocolate bar in the UK you've spent your day's wages.'
In Ada Foah D/C Primary School, 23 children dropped out last year because they could not pay their school fees — which amount to 55p per child for the entire year, they said.
'We are asking that instead of letting your loose change make holes in your pockets, or clutter your desks, you start a copper pot in your house.
'All proceeds will be sent directly to benefit Ghanaian schools and communities.'
Full pots should be taken to Tavistock Cycles. For further details contact Katrina or Adam on 01822 841064.