Castleknock teacher swims for African school

A FORMER Africa-based teacher from Castleknock has raised over e2,500 for charity after competing in the world’s only intercontinental swim.

Jane Terry swam in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Races to fundraise for the Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT), an organization that works to bring high quality, low-cost education to rural communities in Tanzania.

Responding to a lack of affordable secondary education in Tanzania, the non-profit built and operated Orkeeswa School works with local leaders and community members to provide schooling for families who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

And Jane has worked tirelessly to help raise money so that as many children as possible can avail of the school’s services.

“Since I taught English at Orkeeswa I have been doing everything I can to raise money for IEFT, an organization that remains close to my heart,

? said Jane.

“This swim was my way of giving back to the students that continue to inspire me through their hard work and perseverance.

?

IEFT opened Orkeeswa in 2008 and what started as a one-building school with 35 pupils has grown into a nine-classroom campus with over 191 students.

The school proactively creates a learning environment that values creativity, enhances critical thinking, and builds leadership. IEFT strongly believes that sustainable community development comes from within and their vision is to see students from schools like Orkeeswa become catalysts of change within their society.

Peter Luis, founder of IEFT, was full of praise for Jane, not just for her fundraising, but also for her ability as a teacher.

“Jane is the best English teacher I have ever worked with,

? he said.

“A rambunctious soul, she has an infectious energy that continues to inspire all of us at Orkeeswa School.

“Since she arrived here for the first time six years ago, Jane has continued to come back, again and again, to teach English, design curriculum, run a cooking club, support volunteers and make life-long friendships in the community.

“We would like to thank her for her hard work and dedication to raise these funds for Orkeeswa.

?

The Turkish Olympic Committee organized this year’s 26th Annual Bosphorus Cross-Continental Races, which took place on July 20. Thousands of swimmers from around the world took part in the event swimming the 6.5 kilometres from Kanlica to Kurucesme.

?¢ All proceeds from Jane’s swim will go directly to IEFT. To donate to IEFT, visit www.ieftz.org/donate-form.