‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ Margaret Mead
Last Wednesday saw the launch of the Shaw Community link with ATE.
Before Sarah Gardner, Founder and Chief Executive of ATE, began her adventure in West Africa, she was a teacher at The Winchcombe School, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful church of St Mary’s where the SCATE Launch took place.
Since ATE began, in late 2012, ATE has experienced tremendous support from people in and around Shaw, particularly from the community of St Mary’s Church, members of The Three Rivers Community Choir, and Sarah’s ex-colleagues from The Winchcombe School. This support has helped ATE to grow, to thrive, and to touch the lives of thousands of children and adults living in poverty.
ATE is very proud to be part of SCATE, a project which formalizes the blossoming relationship between Lawra, the community of 56,000 people who live 3905 miles from Newbury, and Shaw. The project is about connecting communities, bringing ideas together and recognizing that we are all citizens of the world. This link will help people in Shaw to be increasingly active members of a global community, exchanging ideas and learning about others. This will be a link that will make a huge difference to those at both ends of the exchange.
Through SCATE, ATE and the people of Shaw plan to work together to create a significant connection, a connection for all interested members of the community -through letters and other forms of communication, discussion, pictures, visits and gifts.
The Launch Night was a great success. Around 50 people attended the event, including representatives from several schools, churches and community groups. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with excellent feedback from guests.
If you are a resident of Shaw, or the surrounding area, please do let us know how you would like to be involved.
You can donate to the SCATE Project at: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/scate
Community members enjoyed meeting each other before speeches and showing of The ATE Film