Children in the Algarve are returning to school in mid September and local charitable organisations ACCA and Castelo de Sonhos are raising awareness about the fact that many do not have the basic supplies to begin their school year.
Gwenda Daud, who is helping promote a campaign launched by children’s charity ACCA, said: “Simple things such as back packs, colouring pencils and sharpeners, paper to write on, note books, glue and files can easily be purchased from local supermarkets for very little, but some families don’t have money to spare.
“Children won’t be able to join in the music lesson if they do not have a recorder and many parents cannot afford such a luxury. For 12 year olds, a calculator becomes essential in class, but it is not fun if you have to share with your friend and cannot do your homework.”
The Portuguese government has a system of subsidies for families who are under certain levels of income to provide all the text books for the children, and this seems to work effectively, however, other school supplies are just as important.
ACCA is calling on all willing to help with this cause to purchase some of these important school supplies and drop them off at the following outlets in Almancil: Nobre Passos chemist, Lewis Andrews and Casa Curiosa. Other drop-off points are welcome.
ACCA will then ensure that the school materials go to the children who need them the most.
Donations should be delivered before September 10 so the children can start school prepared.
Meanwhile, another similar campaign running in the Algarve is the ‘Backpack drive for schoolchildren’ in aid of Castelo de Sonhos charity. The organisation is again appealing for assistance to ensure that children who often “do without” will have a backpack and gym bag to return to school.
With the support of the Golf Shack on the EN125 between Porches and Alcantarilha, you can order a backpack and a gym bag from them for €5. Alternatively, if you wish to donate your own backpack, you can drop it off at any of the following points until September 6: Castelo de Sonhos, Silves, Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra and The Golf Shack.
ACCA campaign contacts:
918 376 657 | 289 398 076
Castelo de Sonhos campaign contacts: 282 332 665
