For the last five years, Plymouth College Year 7 students have enthusiastically accepted the challenge of raising £700 to sponsor Steven Mautula through school. Steven is a Tanzanian teenager who is supported by The Banana Tree Project, a UK-based charity run by Plymouth College Head of Sixth Form and Head of History, Mr Beavington.
Steven has spent time living on the streets and in orphanages in Mwanza, as well as being cared for by his local community. With the charitable generosity of Plymouth College students, he has been able to attend one of Mwanza’s best schools since Year 7 and he has thrived, earning high grades and prefect status. In October 2015, the new cohort of Year 7s heard Steven’s story and were keen to do their bit. Over a four month period, students have run, swum, cycled and rowed their way to sponsorship funds. They have baked and sold enough chocolate cake to sink a battleship and sold Christmas decorations, washed cars and sold toys. Every single Year 7 played their part, aided by several parents who ran many kilometres dressed as bananas – all in a wonderful cause. With tension gripping the assembly hall, the final total was announced this week… an amazing £5342.93. Not only will Steven stay in school this year, but his friends Ngusa Ntemi, Yuseph Jumanne and Julius Mchuni will also get their school fees paid with additional funds replacing tired shoes and buying new stationery. “The Year 7s have done an incredible job,” said Mr Beavington. “They received a rapturous round of applause from the Sixth Form and Year 11 students in their assembly when their heard of the achievement. Steven is writing a letter now to thank everyone for their efforts. “On behalf of The Banana Tree Project, very many thanks to all students, parents and teachers for their support in encouraging the Year 7s with their efforts.”
