FLYING AID

Sixth Form Philosophy students were lucky to spend a morning at the Kadampa Meditation Centre in Chorlton, where we met Thonchog. Thonchog is a monk at the centre who spoke to us about fundamental Buddhist beliefs, which we are studying as part of our A Level course. Thonchog led us in a short meditation and explained that he meditates numerous times a day. Students looked at the shrine and were fascinated that there were offerings to the statues of the Buddha, even though he is not viewed as a God. Students asked questions about the very difficult concept of ‘sunyata’, emptiness, and Thonchog was impressed and said he could teach a year programme on just that topic. The students had a wonderful morning and are grateful to Thonchog and the Centre for their warm welcome.

MISS DIANA BRUCE Head of Religious Studies

In March, Gal Lusky visited Withington to speak about her work with Israeli Flying Aid, a non-profit, volunteer-based, non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to provide humanitarian life saving aid and relief to communities in areas stricken by natural disaster or territorial conflicts. She works to provide assistance to all who are in need by distribution of relief items and medical assistance. Over the last ten years, her organisation has provided aid to people all over the world, including Georgia, Kashmir, Indonesia, Haiti, Eritrea, Sudan and Syria.

... Pako Elseehy, 12L, on winning gold in the under 17 age group at the Youth Series Foil Fencing 2023 in February.