A great sense of responsibility and a great sign of unity. This is how the move of the International Preparatory School (IPS) can be qualified. “When we saw the appeal from the ministry of Health in the newspapers, we thought we had to do something,” explains the head of school, Ida Coombes. So, a ‘blood caravan’ from the ministry came on the parking lot near the school to collect blood from volunteers last Friday.

“I must say this has been a successful event. Parents were informed by letter that the caravan would be here today and many have come to join in the effort,” reveals Ida Coombes. She is obviously satisfied with the way the project has turned out. At 11 am, the caravan has already welcomed about 30 donors – teachers, parents, the gardener and drivers of school vans or cars taking children to school.

The atmosphere is relaxed in the caravan. Donors arrive one after the other and medical officers are there to make sure everyone is well looked after.

The day was a special one for IPS as the event coincided with Red Cross Day. “In one of our modules called Personal Social and Health Development, we put emphasis on the Red Cross and the need to help others when living in a community. Blood donation is one of the ways of helping others and I believe the children have understood this very well,” comments the head of school. IPS has created awareness among the children and they felt concerned by the event even though they are too young to give their blood.

“We have to make children understand – and be aware ourselves – that we don’t live in a microcosm and we mustn’t be satisfied with what we have. We live in a community and have to show we belong to it when we have the opportunity,” concludes Ida Coombes.