Today in assembly the main point of focus was the devastating earthquake in Haiti, starting with a brief geographical explanation as to why it occurred by Mr Gibb.

Mrs Hamilton then took up the reins to explain to the children the extent of the damage that has been caused and the plight of the Haitians.  A slide show of images was displayed of collapsed buildings, fleeing residents and aid workers rescuing victims and handing out food and water.

No one in the school could have much idea of the horror that is being faced by the islanders at this time.  One third of the population has been affected (about 3 million people) and 200 000 are feared dead.  Two and a half million people will probably know someone who has died or been injured by the earthquake.  The sad thing is that many of the roofs of the homes that collapsed were made of concrete to protect them in a hurricane – this ended up being the cause of their death as the houses collapsed like a pack of cards crushing the residents inside.

The search for survivors has now been called off as it is now 11 days after the earthquake and the chances of finding anyone alive is remote.  Specialist rescue organisations who flew into Haiti after the quake rescued an amazing 130 people but the emphasis is now on keeping the survivors alive.  They are in desperate need of sanitation, food, water and medical attention.  The reason for today’s assembly was to highlight the terrible need of the Haitians so that Amesbury pupils could have a better idea of what has happened and how they can help.

Amesbury has always shown tremendous community spirit and given generously so the children were asked to find ways of giving money to help the people of Haiti, perhaps by donating some of their own pocket money or Christmas money for the cause.  Alternatively they could earn money by doing chores around the house or getting people to sponsor them.  This way they would find it more rewarding than asking their parents to give the money for them.  Any money raised this week will be sent to the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) which in turn sends the money to all the organisations that can help.  For example, £10 will provide a hygiene kit which cleans water to make it drinkable, £25 buys ten 14litre buckets which provides enough water for a family per day and £50 will enable a toilet block to be built for 40 people.  Collection buckets are being left in the school office until the end of the week.

Lastly, the children were left with a quote by Mother Theresa to inspire them and let them know that every penny counts:

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean but the ocean would be less because of the missing drop.”