The island’s two Catholic primary schools hold such fundraising walks every year come Lent, and have supported a range of local and international causes in the past.
‘This year the children were really struck by how many people don’t have access to clean water – they were shocked at some of the facilities in Tanzania, and they wanted to do their bit,’ said Mary Robertshaw, who is the headteacher of both schools.
‘It’s gone so well.
‘The enthusiasm from parents and support from some of our parishioners has been amazing. I’m really proud of the children.’
Pupils from St Mary and St Michael walked from their school to Bordeaux, while Notre Dame du Rosaire students made a longer hike from their St Peter Port home base up to Delancey Park.
As well as being a successful fundraiser, the event was also popular with the children.
The schools’ efforts resulted in several thousand pounds being raised for the Eleanor Foundation – even as much as £6,000, according to Mrs Robertshaw, although fundraising totals were still to be counted.
The schools’ fundraising efforts will go towards building shallow wells in Tanzania, each of which can serve communities of hundreds of people.
Since it began facilitating the construction of shallow wells in 2014, the Eleanor Foundation has built more than 100, serving more than 100,000 people.
‘I think everyone should have the right to have clean water,’ said Hudson Lorimer, 10.
With the amount of money the schools have raised, Eleanor Foundation founder Allister Carey was feeling confident that as many as four new wells could be built.
‘It’s been utterly brilliant,’ he said.
‘The kids have been quite remarkable – they show a lot of maturity in understanding the suffering of others.’