My Uganda Volunteering Project: Play Action International

Volunteering Activities & Involvement

Over four weeks in July, two mates from university and I will be travelling to Jinja, Uganda, for a volunteering project with the charity Play Action International. We will be working alongside local craftspeople to transform an uninspired area around a local underprivileged school into a fun, exciting and inspired playground. All money raised is designated to the cost of sustainable building materials and equipment. The overall goal is to promote the confidence, growth, physical and psychological development of school children through the language they know best – play!

National Three Peaks: < 24 hrs Challenge

As three members of the Cardiff University Squash Society, we strongly felt that getting involved with a project abroad relating to improving the facilities of play would be appropriate since we often take the benefits of physical activity for granted.

In order to financially support our endeavours this summer, we’d welcome sponsorship towards the challenge we have set of climbing the National Three Peaks in under 24 hours in June. This will involve thorough planning and navigation during the climbs of the three largest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively.

Blogging & Just Giving

You can track our progress over the course of our National Three Peaks Challenge as well as blogging our volunteering activities and provide cultural and geographical insights from Uganda (WIFldependent) https://haroldeanio.blogspot.com

If you would like to contribute and read more please visit my Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ugandeano

Play action international website: www.playactioninternational.org

I would appreciate any support you may offer that will contribute to a more exciting, healthier, and enjoyable schooling experience of underprivileged children in impoverished Ugandan communities.

Harry Dean

(AOS 07 – 21)

Mindfulness with Katy Devine

This year, staff have been offered a lunchtime mindfulness session every half term. Due to demand, a further weekly session has recently been introduced which has also given junior school and auxiliary staff the opportunity to attend. Here are a few words from some of the attendees:

“We are kind to others but do we remember to be kind to ourselves? A wonderful opportunity to stop and reset.”

Paula (Junior School staff)

“Not many people look forward to Monday, but it’s quickly becoming my favourite day of the week due to the staff mindfulness session I attend at lunch time. Spending 30 minutes with Katy Devine in meditation, contemplation and true focus of all the senses allows me to return to the Library refreshed and relaxed. Although I have only taken part in three sessions I have already felt the benefits and imagine Katy’s soothing manner when life becomes busy and challenging.”

Erica (School Librarian)

How times change

We would like to officially congratulate Anton and Alison Maree on becoming grandparents!

“The mindfulness sessions have not only helped my mind to relax but my body too. During and after sessions the muscular tension from stress is markedly reduced. I now try and fit some in every day and make a point of noticing the world around me and how that makes me feel.”

Joan (Science technician)

“The mindfulness sessions have been a valuable tool by allowing yourself to take a step back, think and breathe. Being able to have an outdoor session in the sunshine adds to the benefits.”

Jane (Junior School staff)

“A great way to force yourself to stop and focus on you. The glitter bottle is an amazing focal point.”

Susan (Maths Teacher)

“Well after my only session but not my last, I felt very relaxed, I had a lovely night’s sleep and on the back of this I did look at podcasts regarding mindfulness, I could listen to Katy’s relaxing voice all day. Thank you.”

Janet (Receptionist)

Psa News

What a lovely evening of Spring Flower Arranging we had back in March and thank you for those who attended!