If Bono can do it...

Released 06/03/2009

Matthew Jane is impressed with the oppportunities schools have for helping others

Bono can often be heard having a rant about it. Bob Geldof is somewhat of an old stalwart when it comes to it. Even Lenny Henry is a heavyweight contender. No, this isn't some sort of crazy celebrity Love Island; it is, of course, charitable work for children in Africa.

We often hear moans about the state of the education system in this country: the government is never doing enough, the grass is always greener in the school down the road, and things never happen on time - but we should really be thanking our lucky stars.

I read this week of a school in Edinburgh who donated a shipment of redundant furniture to a school in Ghana. The college was refurbished and it seemed like the best way to re-use the equipment that may have otherwise gone to a refuse site. It was a brilliant display of corporate social responsibility, the school received wide spread applause for their actions.

In these difficult economic times, it is easy to think that such charitable actions may be an unrealistic course of action. We are all concerned with watching every penny. But it is important to remember that schools are well placed to help, not only international schools in need, but local communities too.

Charity begins at home, and it is important to never underestimate the value of corporate social responsibility and the added value this can place on your school. So next time you have a desk and chairs going spare, contact your local youth centre or homeless shelter. They will more than likely be grateful for the equipment.

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