9 November 2020
Polie and Gemma, Duchesne House Captains
This academic year Duchesne’s House charity is the Laini Saba school, located in the Kibera slum in Kenya. This Sacred Heart supported school provides education for up to 500 children who would otherwise not have an opportunity to learn. In the first half of the autumn term, Duchesne organised a number of charity fundraising activities, including a dress-your-pet photography competition and a mufti day. The money we raise from these and future events will go towards building a multipurpose open plan structure to house the students for lunch, staff training, improvements in internet connection, and setting up a scholarship system for vulnerable children.
A few days before the half term break, Duchesne had the honour of hosting the first House gathering since the pandemic started. House members from all year groups participated in their bubbles and we ended the evening with a fabulous autumn-themed tea in Main House and on Pergola Lawn. Amongst the decorations were items collected from our lovely school grounds, such as conkers and pine cones, as well as other decorations that we chose to represent our House colour, such as red berries and butterflies. Tealights added to the cosy feel. It was great to have the chance for some normality in terms of House events and gather as a House before half term.