Most schools in Britain have their own library filled with books and resources, as well as internet access. Most teachers would say they were extremely useful, that's why the Dyffryn Taf pupils decided to raise money to help Kora School in Ethiopia build their own library. Links were made to this project situated a two-hour bus ride from Addis Ababba through an ex-teacher from Dyffryn Taf who had been doing some charity work there and came back to speak to the pupils about her experiences. The pupils were taken aback by what they were shown and were very keen to do what they could to help the school build their own library. The fund-raising all began last year when one particular form, 7D now 8D, began raising money towards this project. They have organised a few activities including a sponsored water carrying event this week to illustrate how those living in Ethiopia must collect their water each day. This great cause will receive all money raised by the 'Fun Day' organised by the charity committee on July 17. The day took a lot of planning and the group wanted to involve the whole school so for a £1 donation pupils were able to wear their own clothes to school for the day. This made Dyffryn Taf a uniform free zone with a wide array of colourful clothes worn by the pupils. The charity committee members planned a range of activities to take place during the lunch hour. There were cakes and biscuits for sale, nail painting, sports, challenges and juggling, there was something for everyone. But the highlight for many was the 'Sixth Form Slave Auction'. Pupils and teachers alike were able to bid on 20 members of the Sixth Form who had bravely agreed to become 'slaves' for the day for their winning bidders. The hall was packed with keen bidders looking to buy a slave. There was some fierce bidding under the watchful eye of auctioneer for the day, Mr. Hughes, who managed to secure the sale of every slave. The slave who reached the best individual price was Jonathan Morse who was bought by his younger sister Bryony for £31. The final slave trio of Robert Webb, Kirsty Price and Dan Rowlands raised a huge £42.50! Heather Scourfield one of the slaves sold said: "I was a bit worried at first about being sold as a slave, but the auction was great fun and it's all for charity so I was happy to volunteer." The slaves had to report for duty the next morning and were given their jobs to do by their new masters. Many were given outfits and signs to wear. The jobs that they had to do ranged from carrying their masters bags for them around school all day and getting food and drinks to doing physical tasks like press-ups and laps around the school. Mrs. Jones-Hughes was the winning bidder on a group of two slaves who had to wash and clean her car at lunchtime in shower caps and aprons. All the slaves and masters took the day in great spirits and there was a great atmosphere throughout the day with everyone please to take part in raising money for such a good cause. At the moment, the overall total raised is just over £2,500 and rising with more sponsorship and donations coming in all the time. "We are really pleased with the amount we raised and would like to thank everyone who contributed to this charity fun day" said Angharad Earles from the charity committee.
