Olympian helps raise funds for primary school devastated in Hurricane Irma

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 14th of November 2017

On 6th September 2017, the Joyce Samuel Primary School in the British Virgin Islands was devastated by Hurricane Irma. The school, normally home to around 120 pupils from 4 – 11 years of age lost its roof, many windows, desks, chairs and most of their teaching supplies. Olympian Elinah Phillip who now attends Bishop’s Stortford College, began her education at Joyce Samuel Primary and together with the members of Benson House and the boys in Sutton House, has pledged to raise over £1,000 in their joint Charity Week to replace these much needed supplies. The College has a long tradition of Charity Week but this is the first time two houses have teamed up. The Houses are holding Christmas card design competitions with the winning designs being printed and sold to raise money, cake sales and more. They plan to bulk buy writing and drawing materials, books and other vital teaching resources. The College libraries will also be donating books, all of which will be shipped over to the school so they can continue to teach. Elinah said, “I was really upset when I heard the news and wanted to do something to help. We are all going through our own book shelves and will be sending old story books and anything else we think might help. I really enjoyed my time at Joyce Samuel Primary and would like to see the school restored.” Funds may also be donated to this cause via the College Bursary with the reference Charity Week.