BEACON Hill School pupils are celebrating nearly a decade of friendship with fellow students at Nyabondo School in Kenya.

The close connection forged through the charity Amani UK has resulted in reciprocal visits by staff to learn more about different teaching methods and to share experiences.

Beacon Hill village community, as well as school members, have contributed to fundraising events to support building projects at Nyabondo, including building a classroom for the youngest children who were previously taught under a tree.

More recently, the Haslemere Confederation of Schools – comprising Woolmer Hill, St Bartholomew’s, Grayswood, Shottermill Infants and Juniors, and St John’s, Churt and St Mary’s, Chiddingfold – have joined forces with Beacon Hill to support Nyabondo.

Thanks to the team effort, boosted by collections taken after school performances and donations for mufti days, more than £2,500 was raised.

Beacon Hill teaching assistant Brigid Collman said: “Their efforts have raised enough money to install electricity in all the classrooms and the staff room, fit glazing in the windows of the early years class and buy a cow, whose milk will help feed the orphans, plus a cow shed. It is hoped these projects will be completed early in the New Year. The electrical installation work is already under way.

“Armani UK forward a big ‘thank-you’ to the Haslemere Confederation of Schools from Nyabondo, and staff from Beacon Hill School are hoping to report back on the benefits after their visit to Kenya next year,” she added.