Emily's Play School
Sir Lowry’s Pass Village is a place where many people live in difficult conditions. Thousands of families grow up here in extreme poverty.
It all began over 40 years ago with a simple idea: Emily’s mother, Lucy, set up a small soup kitchen to give hungry children something to eat. It all started with a few sandwiches. Thanks to donations, the project was able to grow, and Emily later took over the running of it.
I met Emily in 2005 and supported her in her impressive work for around ten years.
In 2013 and 2014, we were able to expand the soup kitchen. Three classrooms were built – a safe place for the children. In summer they provide shade, in winter shelter from the rain. My friend Anja Dalton played a crucial role in the planning and implementation and provided enormous support during this intensive phase.
Step by step, the soup kitchen developed into Emily’s Play School. Today, the children not only receive a hot meal here, but a lovingly run nursery has been established.
Emily was also supported in this by women from the village. She herself undertook further training, attended courses and acquired all the necessary qualifications to run the facility.
The expansion is now complete and the Play School is on a firm footing. After a long wait, it has finally been officially recognised and registered by the government, and now receives public funding.
For us, it is a special milestone to be able to say: this project is sustainable, firmly established, and our work here is done. Emily continues to run the Play School with great dedication and ensures that the children are well prepared and start primary school with enthusiasm.
Of course, we will remain in close contact and continue to support this special project in the future.
