Rigberta Nimoh, a student and part of the Pupil Leadership Team at Oasis Academy in Short Heath, had a moment of clarity upon witnessing a homeless man in a Birmingham city centre doorway. Deciding to take action in order to aid those in need during the winter, she rallied the troop of school kids.
The Pupil Leadership Team, aided by deputy principal Joe Darnley, formed a plan to help the rough sleepers in the city. Sending home letters to the children’s parents requesting donations including food, toiletries and winter clothing such as scarfs, hats and gloves, the team quickly became well stocked.
On 16th January in the rain, 12 children aged 5-11 packed their bags with sandwiches and other items donated and caught the bus to the centre accompanied by their teachers. They walked form the cathedral to the Bullring markets handing out supplies to every homeless person they saw, chatting with each as they went.
“One Year 6 pupil said to a homeless man ‘you’ve got to have hope because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring’. The man started to cry and said he would never forget that. It was really touching” – Pam Atwal, Safeguarding/Community Leader at Oasis Academy.
Parents of the children reported back that the children felt very proud of themselves for making a difference in the community. Now more children in the academy are asking if they can deliver aid packages to the homeless in the city, with the full backing of their parents.
