The destructive earthquake that left the country of Haiti reeling on January 12 has inspired global outreach.

It’s also given the learners of a local school in Cape Town the opportunity to show that giving a little can go a long way.

During a recent assembly held in remembrance of the earthquake victims, learners from Christel House South Africa, an independent school for disadvantaged children in Ottery, pledged R1000 towards providing medical aid for the quake ravaged country.

Sharon Williams, Director of Development and Marketing at the school, said that the amount that was pledged was impressive given the fact that all the Christel House learners come from disadvantaged homes and very rarely have money to buy something nice for themselves.

“Our learners come from poverty stricken areas like Langa, Khayelitsha and Manenberg, and yet they were willing, not only to give, but to make an effort to go into their communities and encourage others to give as well,” she said.

The money that was collected will be given to the organisation called Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa – Doctors without borders – which is an independent international humanitarian organisation committed to providing medical aid to people affected by conflicts or disasters.

Williams explained that the money will help the organisation in fulfilling their role of healing the injured and sick survivors of the devastated country.

According to Williams, the objective of the assembly was not only to raise money, but to make learners aware of the struggles that occur in the rest of the world.

“The learners joined the staff and teachers of Christel House to honour those who had died and to pray for those who have been left homeless or who had lost loved ones,” she said.

Learners also got involved and took to the stage to role-play what they envision is happening in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Williams said that it was nice to see the learners concentrating more on the positive aspects that result of such disasters, like the world coming together to help, than the negative side of it.

Primary school learners also lit candles and had a moment of silence for the victims; they then assembled outside to form the word Haiti in a symbolic tribute before everyone resumed their classes.

According to Williams it was heart warming to see the sympathy and generosity the learners displayed.

Eight-year-old Jordan Arendse from Manenberg pledged R5.00 and said he did so to help the people of Haiti get better.

“I was very sad to hear about the earthquake that destroyed this country. I hope that this makes a small difference for them to live peaceful and happy lives,” he said.

Christel House educates its learners through the generous donations of individuals and corporates in South African. For more information you can contact the school on 021 704 9400 or visit www.christelhouse.org.