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Safer Internet Day Christmas
Safer Internet Day is an international initiative to Shoebox Appeal
promote a safer internet for all users, especially young
people. It is an annual event each February which Once again, our school took part in the concern
teaches teenagers how to use the internet safely and Christmas shoebox appeal. Concern is an Irish,
responsibly. 1st year students were encouraged to interdenominational, Christian development aid
discuss how to do so, and prepared posters with an charity. They are widely known for their annual appeal
for shoeboxes which has proven vastly successful in
important message promoting safer internet use. providing less fortunate children with shoeboxes filled
with gifts and essential personal care items. Concern
deliver shoeboxes to under-developed places such as
Eastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Africa.
Miss Poyntz and Mr Robertson delivered the concept
behind the donation of the shoeboxes which spurred
pupils into action and encouraged us to put our best
effort into making a shoebox. By the closing date in
mid-November we had collected 70 shoeboxes, all
wrapped in festive paper and brimming with treats for
the children.
In countries like Africa and other places where the
shoeboxes are delivered to, Christmas is just another
ordinary day for people living there. Just another day
to work and try to provide sufficient food to put on the
table for their families. The concept of receiving a gift
on Christmas day is unimaginable for the children living
in these impoverished countries. That’s why Concern’s
work is vital in order to bring hope and joy to these kids
at Christmas time – who have extremely little, yet find
happiness in a shoebox which we would probably turn
our noses up at!
Concern has sent 264,636 shoeboxes to children in 21
countries through their shoebox initiative this year and
the pupils were both honoured and proud to be part of
their charitable work. Well done to all the students who
have supported this wonderful charity so generously.
Emma Bell
The Royal Times 2017-2018 15
