Zakk’s essay named winner of Lurgan Lights competition

Pictured lift to right are James (?) Maxwell, principal of Markethill High School, Jillian Patchett, past president, pupil Zakk Gowing, Joanne Harris, president of Soroptimist International of Lurgan and Karen Kennedy, head of English at Markethill High School. INLM19-018

The three-year Soroptimist International project, in partnership with Camfed, hopes to provide solar lights for girls in Zambia, Africa.

The solar lights will enable young girls to do their homework after a day at school and in many cases, after a long trek home. Camfed have confirmed that each lamp costs £25; every penny raised will be spent on the lamps; with no money being lost in administration or advertisements as the lights will be sourced in Zambia.

The most recent fundraising activity was a writing competition open to secondary school students. They were asked to write about what they’d miss the most if they didn’t have ready access to light, and why. And it is congratulations to Zakk Gowing, who is a Year 11 student at Markethill High School who won the prize of a £25 iTune voucher, donated by past president, Jillian Patchett.

The judges particularly liked Zakk’s use of language and the poem he included at the end which is actually from a song he has written. Zakk’s winning entry can be viewed at www.sigbi.org/lurgan as well as the school website.

Head of the English department at Markethill High School, Karen Kennedy, said: “I am delighted that pupils in Markethill High School were invited to participate in the recent writing competition organised by Lurgan Soroptimists. It is great way to develop literacy skills and also encourage our pupils to think of others who do not have the same opportunities for learning.”

Soroptimist International of Lurgan wish to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and students who took part in the writing competition. Students throughout the borough submitted essays, donating £1, raising an overall total of £92. Soroptimist International also wishes to thank students who did not submit an entry, but instead kindly donated money to the project. The support has enabled the organisation to send its first cheque in the total sum of £1,750 to Camfed.

If you wish to find out more please visit www.sigbi.org/lurgan