Friends of Tanzania

Hi, my name is Erin Bradley, I’m from Ballinascreen, and I’m incredibly honoured to have been chosen to take part in a life-changing opportunity with my school, St. Patrick’s College Maghera. This summer, I’ll be travelling to Tanzania to volunteer and help build schools for children who deserve the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.

The heart of our project is St. Mary’s Ciara’s School, a school built in memory of Ciara McLaughlin. Ciara was just 17 years old when she tragically passed away in a car accident in 2005, only three weeks before she was due to volunteer in Tanzania herself. During a retreat with Father Frank Diamond shortly before her passing, Ciara wrote a powerful and inspiring prayer. One line that has stayed with many ever since is:

“I believe that everything happens for a reason even though it is so hard at times. I believe that any one person can make a difference, and that one day with God’s help I can make a difference in the lives of people around me.”

Even though Ciara never got the chance to travel to Tanzania, her spirit and message live on. Through the school named in her honour, hundreds of children have already received an education, and we’re going out there to continue her legacy — to keep making a difference, one brick, one classroom, and one child at a time.

Thirteen students, including myself, have been selected for this special trip. Each of us has been set the goal of raising a minimum of £2500 to help fund the journey and the vital work we’ll be doing on the ground. Every single donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly towards building a better future for the children of Tanzania.

Thank you so much for helping me help others. Together, we can continue Ciara’s dream and make a real difference.

— Erin Bradley