Sixth formers from Bedford School Sixth were among the finalists of a national social leadership competition, which recognised the success of their charity fundraiser to reduce the number of mothers dying in childbirth in South Sudan.
The Upper Sixth Formers – James Cutler, Harry Hine, Ethan Ofosu, Maxwell Martin, David Adeyemi-Abere and Yonathan Sileshi – were shocked when they discovered how high the maternal mortality rates were in South Sudan and vowed to do what they could to help.
Thanks to their ‘DROP’ campaign, they provide care packages to pregnant women containing hygiene products, enabling more sterile births to take place, reducing the number of deaths as a result of infection.
So far the boys have raised more than £1,300, reaching the finals of the Global Social Leaders’ 2021 Global Goals Competition where they were ‘highly commended’.
You can donate to their campaign here.
James said: “We chose South Sudan as the country to focus on as it currently has the highest maternal mortality rate of any country in the world.
“It is estimated that there are 789 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births; so we hope that our packages will help reduce this number and allow more children to grow up with a mother figure around.”
“Having a happy and privileged upbringing and a healthcare system that is often taken for granted, we felt it was necessary to step outside of this lifestyle and help others,” said Harry.
“Every child should have a mother figure for a chance of a happy upbringing.”
The boys say they are committed to carrying on with the project for as long as possible while at school and will offer the chance for other boys to take on the campaign when they leave.
Mary Achan, who is in her second trimester of pregnancy, was one of the mothers-to-be in South Sudan to receive a care package thanks to the campaign.
She said: “I really appreciate the support from the DROP team. I have been incredibly worried about getting these items, because of the high cost on the market.”
Mr Simon Everitt, Physics teacher at Bedford School and Ready2Lead founder who inspired the boys to take action said: “The boys have worked very hard setting up this campaign and should feel very proud of the good work they are doing.
“Their efforts are making a real difference in a country with very high rates of maternal mortality.
“To be highly commended at the Global Goals Competition is a huge achievement for the boys and we are thrilled that they have received external recognition for their endeavours.”
You can make a donation to the DROP campaign here.
