On 24th October House Captain Josh Carter went along to the Cool Runnings after school club to meet the people who are in charge and run the project, as well as to find out a little bit more about what they do:
After the excitement of the house drama competition I soon found myself walking down Barton Street to Cool Runnings. After the walk down Barton Street, and a few phone calls when I got lost, I arrived at the Cool Runnings centre and was warmly welcomed by a group of young children. These children, who are from many different cultures, ran up to the gate to greet me. This was a very moving experience as they knew my name and were extremely pleased that I had come to visit them.
I was shown around by two children, a boy and a girl, who showed me their games, sandpit, books, videos and the many other things they have to play with. It was very pleasing to see their enthusiasm when showing me around.
After my tour I had a short meeting with Annette, the manager of the charity, who told me more about their work.
Annette moved to England from Jamaica in 1992 and told me that her life aim ‘was to improve the lives of deprived children’.
At Cool Runnings they collect children from 6 local primary schools and provide high quality after school care for them. Care is provided for children with single parents or where both parents work and are unable to care for them while at work. Cool Runnings gives children an enjoyable experience and they get to make lots of friends.
Although parents have to pay, it is only a very small amount and Cool Runnings relies mainly on lottery grants and charitable donations.
With our support, Annette and all at Cool Runnings can try and give children from deprived areas and backgrounds the best possible opportunity.