Clovelly Students Make A Difference

Malcolm Turnbull MP, Federal Member for Wentworth, made a visit today to Clovelly Public School to recognise the impressive efforts of students who have helped raise valuable funds for school children in Mozambique.

Malcolm, a member of UNICEF Australia’s Parliamentary Association, presented students with a certificate of appreciation and a UNICEF soccer ball in recognition of their achievements. The students raised almost $900 through a one-day public school event called UNICEF Day for Change.

All funds raised through UNICEF Day for Change in 2009 and 2010 will support UNICEF’s education projects in Mozambique, where fifty-eight percent of children live below the poverty line. Low quality education and lack of basic facilities result in over half of primary aged students leaving before completing grade five. Without an education, the situation for these children is unlikely to get better.

“I am pleased to support UNICEF Day for Change, and in particular, the efforts by students and teachers from Clovelly Public School. They are an excellent example of how Australian students can appreciate how children in other countries live and learn and importantly, do something to help,” Mr Turnbull said.

UNICEF Australia Day for Change is a nationwide educational fundraising campaign that invites children at public schools to organise activities around the theme of ‘change’ in order to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s work improving education in some of the world’s poorest countries.

The funds raised by Clovelly Public School can purchase enough educational supplies to provide 240 children with equipment such as pencils, erasers, exercise books, writing slates, scissors and carrier bags, as well as marker pens, posters, registers, and blackboard equipment for three teachers.