The Barbara May Foundation Fundraiser

This week the Year 12 Prefects ran a fundraiser for the Barbara May Foundation, including a mufti day and a sausage sizzle and raised $825.65. Well done. 

The Barbara May Foundation (BMF) was established in 2009 by the Browning family, who are now based on the Central Coast. The BMF builds and runs hospitals in remote and regional sub-Saharan Africa, trains staff and runs programmes that provide free maternal healthcare for the world’s most disadvantaged women by:

• Advocating for women’s health and well-being regardless of race, religion or financial standing. 
• Providing education and information on modern women’s healthcare while remaining sensitive and respectful of local traditions and culture. 
• Implementing systems to train local maternal health providers in sound clinical skills and competency. 
• Driving the improvement of available medical facilities, and, where required, the provision of additional infrastructure.

It coordinates improved access to, and coordination of fistula treatment. Often the girls or young women are hidden in communities because of their shame. The BMF goes into local churches, mosques and other community gathering to advertise that a fistula can be repaired. Transport may need to be funded and coordinated.

What will a donation by GPCC provide:

• $50 – will pay for the transport of a teenage girl/woman to hospital.
• $100 – will pay for 50 delivery kits for village birth attendants.
• $200 – will pay for a safe delivery in hospital including a caesarean section if required plus all pre and post-natal check-ups.
• $400 – will pay for an obstetric fistula repair operation.

Written by Eliana B, College Vice-Captain

 Year 10 PASS Ski Trip

On Wednesday 7 September, Year 10 embarked on their journey to the Perisher ski fields on board a comfortable double-decker bus. The journey took a long eight hours, stopping along the way for lunch and snacks. The next day, the students were up bright and early, ready for their ski lessons at Smiggins. For some students, it was their first time seeing snow. As the afternoon went on, many grew in confidence, gliding down the slopes with speed. By evening, we were all exhausted. 

Friday brought on the rain and the possibility of snowfall. Students jumped on the bus to Perisher and straight onto the ski chairs, that were shaking against the wind. By the time we reached the top of the mountain we were drenched. We looked out to the valley below and the snow fell before our eyes, adrenaline filled our veins. Back to Smiggins we skied but not before getting the train to Blue Cow and fitting in a couple more runs at Perisher. The warmth of the afternoon drive home was welcomed, and many were asleep before dinner time.

Ms Lauren Pal