Walton welcomed ShelterBox representatives, Alan Jones and Ken Goodwin, to the academy on Friday 17 January 2020.

ShelterBox is a charity that works with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. Year 8 geography students saw first-hand the large tent, tools, cooking pans, water purification system, and blankets that are tightly packed in a large green ShelterBox and shipped within 24-48 hours to the disaster area.

Students had the opportunity to ask questions following an eye-opening video presentation.  They were tasked with trying to imagine themselves with absolutely no possessions or basic living necessities in a thought provoking presentation by Mr Jones and Mr Goodwin – How would they cope? What would they need to survive?  Students and staff were shocked to learn that there are currently more than 88 million people around the world made homeless by natural disasters and conflict.

Miss Lee, teacher of geography, who organised the visit said: “We are very grateful to ShelterBox for coming in to talk to our students.  Year 8 students are currently studying tectonic hazards and to see the personal aftermath of natural disasters has given them valuable insight into the devastating impact earthquakes can have on ordinary families.  They also appreciated how relatively small acts of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s life.”

During the session, students were given a useful overview of possible careers and volunteering opportunities charities can offer in the UK and abroad.

More information about ShelterBox and their current fundraising efforts can be found at www.shelterbox.org