Dozens of schools and youth groups have already signed up to support a north-east charity in its quest to help children in one of the poorest parts of the world.
From youngsters at Inverbervie and Inverurie to Fraserburgh and Banff, 74 groups – and counting – have made a pledge to help the ARCHIE Foundation raise enough money to build the first ever children’s surgical theatre in Uganda’s capital Kampala.
Later this month, they will take part in a fun-filled day of fundraising – ARCHIE in Africa Day on Friday, March 27 – which will help raise the £50,000 required to create the much-needed facility at the country’s only national hospital.
It has just five operating theatres to serve its 36 million population.
There has never been a children’s surgical theatre despite it having the busiest maternity in the world, with between 80-100 babies born every day.
So earlier this year, ARCHIE made an appeal to people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to help it build one and give children a better chance at life.
Last night, the charity thanked all those who had pledged their support so far, and said there was still time for others to sign up.
When Nicola Youngson heard about the appeal, she said there was no question she would enlist her Brownies – the 40th Aberdeen Mannofield pack – to help.
Mrs Youngson has visited Uganda twice, and witnessed for herself its severe lack of medical resources.
“Until you’ve been there and seen what it’s like, it’s difficult to appreciate how little these people have,” she said.
“There are children there who have absolutely nothing. It gets under your skin and makes you appreciate everything you have in life.”
At Bucksburn Academy, all S1 geography classes will lead the way on March 27 when the entire school dresses up in Ugandan colours.
The pupils are currently studying the differences between the developed and developing world, and will be comparing the facilities available at children’s hospital in Aberdeen with those in Uganda.
At Tipperty Primary School, on the outskirts of Ellon, the 33 pupils there will also get involved with ARCHIE in Africa day to continue their learning about the rest of the world.
Head teacher, Lorna Dawson, said: “Pupils like to help people locally and around the world so the ARCHIE in Africa Day is ideal for us.
“It fits in very well with all the things we like to do and the children will learn more about Uganda and life for children there.”
For more details about the fundraising day and to find out more about ways to raise money, visit www.archieinafrica.org.uk.