By Christine de Kock
STUDENTS from Yarraville’s Wembley Primary School have drummed up community support in their efforts to help Javanese children affected by the May earthquake.
The earthquake killed more than 5800, and thousands were left homeless.
The Yarraville children aim to raise $20,000 to support rebuilding education projects in the district of Yogyakarta, in Indonesia.
They will raise the cash through registering entrants in either a 5km or 10km walk along the Maribyrnong River.
Teacher Sophie Trpcevski said students had performed a number of awareness initiatives and expected about 2000 to 5000 to take part in the walk.
Students helped contact a number of sponsors for the walkathon, including McDonald’s with juice for walkers and Bakers Delight with buns for a barbecue on the day.
“The students learned a lot about giving for giving’s sake, and said they didn’t realise people were so generous,” Ms Trpcevski said.
“They also realised that kids can make a difference.”
All money raised will go to the charitable organisation Plan, which is providing emergency relief to the people of Java.
Help is expected to be given in the form of temporary classrooms and learning materials.
The walk will be held on Sunday, 10 September, from 10am, in Footscray Park.
Walkers can register by calling 9314 7054.
