Posted: 14/10/08
College to produce poetry book for charity
A college is asking firms to sponsor a poetry book being published to boost funds for an international children's charity.
West Nottinghamshire College plans to produce a book of poems and verses by students and staff and is looking for co-sponsors.
The book will be sold throughout Mansfield and Ashfield including at College campuses, with proceeds going to Chhahari Nepal – a charity that helps poor and disadvantaged Nepali children to join the school system.
Learning Resources Manager Sue Sproston hit on the idea following a successful College poetry competition, held to celebrate the National Year of Reading. The competition attracted 26 entries, with subjects ranging from reading and nature to bullying and the loss of a loved one.
Stacey Milner, 18, won the student category for her entry called 'What You’ve Done' while Skills for Life tutor Trudi Dean topped the staff section for 'Twin Sets and Pearls'.
Principal Asha Khemka presented the pair with book tokens in recognition of their efforts.
Highly commended entries in the poetry competition who will also be featured in the book were:
- Emma Bailey for She
- Dee Bell for The Hourless Time
- James Lock for Name
- Liam Elliott for When I am Around You
- Becca Short for New Shoes
- Anne McDonald for Buzzy the Bee
- Emma Jaques for Morning Angel
Sue said: "We had such a great response to the competition that we now want to put all the creative entries into our very own poetry book.
"We're appealing to businesses to make a small contribution towards the publishing costs and by way of thanks we'll include their logo on the back page with a message of our appreciation."
Chhahari Nepal works closely with churches and trains teachers to engage children in learning literacy, numeracy, skills for life, conversational skills and personal hygiene.
"We’re keen to sell lots of copies of the book to help Nepali children and support the development of Chhahari school classes. Just £20 a month pays for a teacher for a class of up to 20 children," added Sue.
Businesses wishing to sponsor the book can contact Rebecca Short on 01623 627191 ext. 8287 or email rebecca.short@wnc.ac.uk.
