Simon Butler and Mill Creek Elementary Schools Raised $19,000 to Help Students in Ghana, Africa

Simon Butler and Mill Creek Elementary Schools, in partnership with Global Hope Alliance, held cultural diversity activities and a Walk-A-Thon on Friday, May 9, and raised a total of $19,000 to build an elementary school for students in Ghana, Africa.

Simon Butler students participated in a two to three mile Walk-A-Thon to celebrate the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity and to develop a better appreciation for how far their peers in Ghana walk each day to collect water and attend school. The students of Simon Butler Elementary School also raised funds through participating in a coin war or coin challenge and a 6th grade school dance. Mill Creek Elementary students held a coin war during their “Celebrate Diversity” week.

Joseph Brereton, Principal of Simon Butler Elementary school, said, "Each year in May, the United Nations organizes a World Diversity Day.  The goals of the initiative are to promote a world community of individuals committed to supporting diversity with real and every day-life gestures and to improve understanding and cooperation among people from different cultures.” 

Throughout the Walk-A-Thon, students took part in hands-on learning activities to increase their understanding of the hardships students face in Ghana. “In the spirit of the day, Butler Elementary organized lessons and activities designed to help students understand their responsibilities to their own communities and their role as global citizens," said Brereton.

Through Simon Butler and Mill Creek Elementary Schools' partnership with Global Hope Alliance, students were able to support their peers in Ghana and raise funds to develop a successful educational environment in Ghana. Kathryn Sonnie, First Grade Teacher at Simon Butler Elementary School and Director of Global Hope Alliance, said, "I feel so fortunate to work with my colleagues here at Butler Elementary, the parents, and the greater Central Bucks community. They are very supportive of the work that Global Hope Alliance does to help increase access to education, educational resources and infrastructure for a successful educational environment."

Simon Butler and Mill Creek Elementary Schools strive to provide their students with an appreciation for other cultures and helping their peers. Courtney Wood, ESL Teacher at Mill Creek and Director of Education at Global Hope Alliance, said, “The teachers and the parents in Central Bucks community have always been ready to get involved and help others. It is a great place to teach.”  

All proceeds that were raised will directly support the construction of a new elementary school in Ghana and will help provide children in Ghana access to essential educational resources.