Page 29 - link magazine

Swindon Wide 29

Mother’s trek gives kids access to technology “The Mover”
A 42 year old mum from Redhouse undertook a life changing experience in 2009 and one year on she’s HOME REMOVAL
delighted that her efforts are continuing to change the lives of African children every day. SPECIALISTS
Psychotherapist Rachel Arnold cent Christmas Appeal and I was
trekked 75 miles over fi ve days in the thrilled to see that the children are ● Collection & Delivery
Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, facing still as enthusiastic about their ICT Service (single or multiple items)
high altitudes, wolves and baboons. lessons. Education is giving Ethio- ● Removal of unwanted items
Hiking for Computer Aid, she pia the opportunity to support itself SINGLE ITEM TO
raised £3,000 to equip Eweket Lehe- in the future. FULL HOUSE MOVE
berele High School in Addis Adaba. “The trek totally changed my at- UNBEATABLE RATES
Rachel said, “it was an amazing titude to life. I now sponsor a child FULLY INSURED
trip. We walked around the edge of in the mountain region so he can CALL PETE on
this stunning canyon at altitudes attend school, and I’ve made the 07962 067182 (Mobile)
ranging from 3,400 metres to the commitment to work 100 per cent in or Tel: 01793 820906
highest point of 4,750 metres. Many my therapy practice, and enjoy the for a FREE No Obligation quote
of the 14 people on the trek were hit simpler things much more - such as Sole Removal provider to
badly by altitude sickness but I was walking, cooking, being with family NHS staff & family
lucky and escaped the worst effects. Rachel and a guide at altitude and friends.”
“We had a local guide and two “Even in these remote areas the • See more of Rachel’s pictures at
guards with guns to ward off the children go to school and they walk www.swindonlink.com PRICE
wildlife. I did get chased by a very anything up to 6 miles a day to get PROMISE
fi erce male Gelada baboon who there. After school their chores are to Monitors wanted
thought I was getting a bit too close look after the smaller animals such Computeraid is extremely short
to his wives and babies. as the goats, sheep and chickens.” of monitors and is in need of
“The views were incredible. Every On the fi rst day in the country the both old style 15” and 17” CRT
day we covered different terrain group visited a classroom in Addis monitors and TFT fl at screens
- sometimes almost a pastoral Adaba where sixty children aged manufactured after year 2002. To
English scene and at other times it 11 to 18 years and their teachers help call 020 8361 5540 or mail:
was completely barren with amazing showed off their IT skills. [email protected]
cacti. We walked 15 miles a day and Rachel added, “the school was • Teacher needed for Nepal or-
camped under the stars each night. featured in The Independent’s re- phanage. See page 45

Art wanted to cross the ocean
Graphic designer and community artist Kate Parsons was featured in the November Link before travelling
to work with street children in Mexico. Now she’s setting up a project to exchange artwork projects between
Swindon and Mexican children.
Kate’s trip was Juconi projects. Kate is also devel-
arranged through oping work around attitudes towards
the Juconi foun- death in the two cultures. She said,
dation in Puebla, “Puebla is a world heritage site, and
about 80 miles I was there for the Day of the Dead,
from Mexico City, when Mexicans welcome the dead
where she deliv- back into their homes with offerings.
ered art activities It takes place around the same time
to help underprivi- as Hallowe’en but sees the dead as
leged youngsters welcome guests rather than scary
develop their self- spooks. We’re developing a project
esteem. around that, so in addition to art and
Working with craft activities children can look at
children between 6 attitudes to death, how to deal with
and 14 years, two Youngsters at Juconi house wearing T-shirts designed death, how not to be scared of it.”
groups created with Kate, in front of a Day of the Dead altar Teachers interested in participat-
work based on what they wanted for kids realise that they are worth ing in Kate’s project should mail:
their futures. She said, “they drew something, that they are valued, [email protected]
houses, swimming pools, teach- and they can create something
ers, fi remen, policemen, mothers wonderful.”
and wrestling which is a very big Kate is now working with Juconi
entertainment in Mexico. Interest- to develop an art-based education C4MilesHolidays.co.uk
ingly, the boys drew their future programme, which can be used by
wives and kids - not something I Swindon schools to teach cross Relaxing 4, 5 & 6 Day Tours to
imagine many 8 year olds would curricular activities, including some
think of here. Spanish. She hopes that both pri- Beautiful Yorkshire & North Pennine Dales
“Some might think I went to some mary and secondary schools will Spectacular North York Moors & Coast
kind of slum but it was quite ‘normal.’ want to get involved in exchange Historic Northumberland & Scottish Borders
At the Juconi residential home, what projects with the Mexican children.
struck me was their attitude, they Swindon children can create art- First Class Coach Travel & Quality Country Hotels
were very open. The kids had a great work about their life, which can then
time doing the art work, and helping be emailed to the Juconi home, who Inclusive from £345 per person
me paint a mural at the house which can respond to it as well as send March to October with convenient local coach meeting points
they were very proud of. artwork of their life back to Swindon.
“Often, violent parents are them- Pupils can look at such diverse Call 01325 484696
selves children of violent parents subjects as modern languages,
and Juconi tries to break that cycle. social education, global citizenship, For a Brochure or visit our Website
The arts programme helps these and even RE through the planned

21-52 February 10.indd 29 21/01/2010 13:03