A former headteacher at Harpenden and Redbourn primary schools has brought £4,000 of books to grateful Ugandan schoolchildren.

Herts Advertiser: The new library at Musoto Christian School, filled with books.The new library at Musoto Christian School, filled with books. (Image: Archant)

Hilary Hollick used to work at Crabtree Infants and Redbourn Infants schools and now volunteers for Harpenden Spotlight.

As part of her work, she visited Mbale in Uganda to deliver supplies to Musoto Christian School.

She said: “I was delighted by the standard of the teaching and in complete awe of the teachers who teach 190 children at once and keep them all engaged and interested.

“We built the school over 10 years ago and we could not be more proud of what the has been achieved.”

Spotlight, which supports education, health, and economic development in Uganda, held their annual fundraising ball at Luton Hoo Hotel in June.

Thanks to the generosity of the ball’s attendees, £7,000 was ploughed into the school, having an immediate impact.

Hilary said: “The whoop of joy from the children when we arrived at the school with the books will stay in my memory forever.

“It was very humbling to see how grateful the children were to be given even something as simple as a pencil.

“I took a small teddy bear with me to give to the school and I couldn’t believe the elation it gave the children to have a ‘luxury’ such as a teddy.”

Drawing on her experience as a teacher and six years with Spotlight, Hillary works with 15 county schools who support the charity.

Hillary, along with Musoto’s headteacher and deputy headteacher, were able to source £4,000-worth of books from a local store.

Spotlight wants to build for new classrooms, provide play equipment for the nursery, and shoes for the tag rugby players.

Last year, Spotlight and St Nicholas School donated netballs, football and footballs kits to Musoto Christian School.

If you would like to find out about Spotlight or get more involved visit www.hsoa.org.uk or email enquiries to enquiries@hsoa.org.uk

For enquiries related to schools please email Hilary directly on hilary.hollick@hsoa.org.uk