Facing the Facts at Prior Park

13 May 2008

Prior Park Catholic College pupils broke the school rules went to college wearing heavy make-up.  On this occasion the teachers didn’t blink an eye and raised a wry smile. As pupils had their faces painted to help a good cause.  

Music teacher Catherine Hutchings explained, “Our Headmaster kindly agreed that everyone should be encouraged to support the charity Facing Africa for the day.  We recently welcomed Chris Lawrence, to the school, who explained about Noma (cancrum oris) and the disfigurement it caused.

“Our pupils were devastated to learn about the legacy of facial scarring inflicted on the survivors by such a merciless infection.”

A group of pupils agreed saying, “We wanted to try and help pay for at least one operation for a child; it is so sad that they become isolated from their friends and their community due to the facial scars.  We hope our efforts on the day will raise more awareness for this charity.”  The work is undertaken by a team of surgeons who are despatched from the UK to the Noma Children’s Hospital, Sokoto.  

Pupils paid £2.00 each for the privilege of wearing make-up or having their face painted for the day.  

Melanie Heath