Junior and Senior pupils of St John’s College are busy preparing for the School’s first whole-school exhibition in aid of children’s charity Soham for Kids.   Works of art will go on display for one-day only on Thursday 23 February in the New Benildus Hall.

The Spring Art Exhibition will combine work from the whole of the Junior School and from Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils from the Senior School. The event provides an opportunity for the school to raise money for children’s charity ‘Soham for Kids’, as all visitors will be asked to make a suggested donation of £2 to view the colourful exhibition. A representative from Soham for Kids will officially open the event at 6pm.

Since the start of term in September, pupils have been creating artwork in their Art classes to display in the exhibition. A colourful array of hats, masks, 3D work, portraits and landscapes will be on display for one day only. Friends, family and local art lovers have been invited to the event, which hopes to raise over £200 for Soham for Kids.

Soham for Kids is a school for orphans and impoverished children based in one of the most deprived areas in Hyderabad. In June 2010 Soham opened its doors to 100 children, ranging from pre-school to six years old. It will expand by one grade each year, through to Year 12 teaching 17 and 18 year olds. Each child is given two nutritionally balanced meals a day, access to healthcare (including payment for medicines and vaccines) and a school uniform. This comprehensive level of support is necessary for orphaned children to be able to attend school and encourages participation from very poor parents and guardians who might other-wise send their children to work.

Art teacher in the Junior School Mrs Maggie Callan has been working with Mrs Karen Brown and Mrs Elizabeth Merkin from the Senior School to coordinate the event. Mrs Callan comments, “It is wonderful when the whole school gets together for an event as we really see the breadth of talent and creativity amongst the pupils. It’s fantastic how the pupils of St John’s College are so keen to help raise money for Soham for Kids – directly supporting children in need of education and welfare.”