Holy Trinity College pupils bound for Zambia

PUPILS and teachers from Holy Trinity College in Cookstown paid a visit to the Tyrone GAA Garvaghey Centre on Wednesday morning for a special presentation ahead of their trip to Zambia in March for which they have been tirelessly fundraising in recent weeks.

Christine O’Donnell, on behalf of O’Neill’s Sportswear, presented half-zip jerseys for the pupils to wear as they embark on their journey to Zambia, where 16 pupils and three members of staff of the Cookstown secondary school, as well as four members of the Spirit of Paul McGirr charity, will contribute to the construction and development of the Tyrone School Zambia Secondary School from March 21 until April 1.

The Tyrone County Board will also donate over 100 Tyrone jerseys to the project which has been spearheaded by The Spirit of Paul McGirr charity, who work in collaboration with the SMA order in the Chainda parish, on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka.

Focusing on the process of grassroots community development, the charity has worked with the SMA since 2007 in order to provide mostly labour and materials for substantial infrastructure projects to meet the many needs of the people of the Chainda community – a community of which is characterised by high levels of deprivation and poverty.

Ahead of their trip to Zambia, the pupils and teachers of Holy Trinity College have been actively fundraising to cover costs and generously contribute to the project.

Mark McGuigan, a teacher in Holy Trinity College, who will be joining the group explained, “The plan is to get out there and help develop classrooms, and help out with building, painting and designing a handball court, then we’ll maybe do a bit of coaching and teaching with the pupils in the school while we are there.”

Speaking about the fundraising process, Year 14 student Emma Murphy said, “We are fundraising a certain amount of money each in contribution to the project..

“So far, we have organised car washes, coffee mornings, music nights, and there is still loads
more to come including a few quiz nights.

“So keep an eye out over the next few weeks and donate generously to help us on our way to Zamibia.”

With Tyrone set to take on Derry in Celtic Park in Derry on Sunday, February 4, the pupils and teachers are hoping for a generous contribution from those in attendance as Holy Trinity College teacher and former Tyrone GAA star Peter Canavan explained, “Obviously, there is going to be a bit of interest in that game and there should be a huge crowd at it, so our pupils will be out with collection buckets prior to the game.

“So far, they have had terrific support from their local clubs and local communities, so hopefully the Tyrone and Derry patrons will support us even further in our endeavour.

“Overall, this has been a massive effort and it’s all going to benefit such a great charity with the Spirit of Paul McGirr and all the fantastic work they do out in Zambia.”