The TH community have been honoured to welcome Godfrey Karema to the school over the past fortnight. He is founder of the Rwandan charity the Dufatanye Organization – also known as Godfrey’s Kitchen – and has been involved in a wide range of activities across the school including participation in both Senior and Junior lessons and assemblies, accompanying school trips, and of course supporting the Run for Rwanda event last weekend.
Most notably, he led an inspiring senior school assembly this week to speak to pupils and staff about the Green Village of Hope Program. Godfrey, who founded the association in 2003 [it later becoming an NGO in 2015] was driven by a vision to support those affected by malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, Genocide, and poverty. He said his vision is about, ‘Empowering vulnerable communities through smart agriculture and climate change resilient practices, health education, medical navigation, biblical teachings, and assistance to victims of Genocide and AIDS.’ He conveyed poignant, individual stories of people who had received life-changing support from the organisation after suffering personal tragedy and trauma.
Mrs Harris said how, ‘Godfrey’s visit offers our students a unique opportunity to see the real-world impact of their contributions and to hear first-hand about the lives they are helping to change.’ Adding, ‘For over 10 years, our school has been proud to support Godfrey’s incredible work, which provides vital nutrition and education to children in Rwanda. Through various fundraising efforts, including student-led initiatives and whole-school events, the community has raised over £100,000 for the charity. Thank you to everyone who has supported this vital work over the years and continues to do so.’
A special thank you goes to Joy Moran for all of her organisation and for hosting Godfrey for the majority of his visit; to Lucy Elford for compiling photographs and messages for Godfrey, and to the girls, parents and staff for their continued support of Godfrey’s Kitchen. We wish Godfrey all the very best for his future endeavours and outstanding work tirelessly helping others.
