Help Simone give her kids a great education
Donation protected
Dear friends
I met Simone through a friend who is an activist for social justice and racial equality and was deeply moved by her story. I have been profoundly impressed by her dedication and commitment to her children's welfare and their growth into creative and abundant citizens and members of the community - on their own unique terms.
I truly admire her bold, courageous, and relentless action to bring that future to life for those beautiful children.
I believe that all children have the right to a first-quality education. To make this change, we need to seize every opportunity we find. So please join me in supporting Simone’s inspired and worthy quest to continue to provide these young people with the fair and equal learning opportunities they richly deserve.
Blessings and best wishes,
Scott Downs
Simone’s Story:
Hello, my name is Simone, a single parent, working as a teacher, and the sole provider for my children: a son aged eight and a daughter aged six. We live in council-owned social housing. I want to provide better opportunities through education for my family, to ensure their success in life.
My children were under-performing and under-achieving in their state school, which was to their disadvantage, and they were ultimately being failed despite additional learning interventions - not meeting the benchmark for their age and stage in basic areas such as reading and writing. My son would not speak or participate independently without an aid or prompter. He is very sensitive, an introvert and lacking in confidence, all of which contributed to his dis-engagement both academically and socially.
As a result of this shaky foundation, he had to repeat a year, in order to work on his confidence (mentally and physically) and improve his academic skills.
With my daughter I had the opposite problem. She shows exceptional academic aptitude, but it was not identified or encouraged, and she wasn’t challenged. This led to her getting bored and restless at the local school. I, therefore, made the decision to move them to an independent school that was willing to accept, encourage and develop them.
There are many fundamental benefits that have come about in their learning and development since being at this independent school. Their confidence has rocketed, academic achievements have increased significantly, with them working above national curriculum standards. The children are happy at their school, their presence there has been extremely beneficial to their sense of self-worth as well as their personal and educational development. Both children are settled, learning, striving and developing new and enriching skills.
It is pivotal for my children to continue their learning journey in such a holistic educational institution, one that will support them to grow and achieve academically and personally. I am not accustomed to asking for help, however, I am determined to continue the educational experiences of my children thus far. The costs involved are a significant challenge each term. Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic I had to rely on different support systems such as weekly community and church food banks, to ensure that our basic needs were met. The school fee per child is £10,740 per annum, and I have directed every penny of my income to support them. However, I am currently in arrears for this academic year. I send my children to an independent school because in my view the state school options available to them are poor and under-resourced. My best intention is to provide a better educational opportunity for them and show what can be done for future generations.
I can only maintain their level of education if I am able to gain access to financial support. Hence my approach to you: Your kind donation (any amount, large or small) in support of my children’s future will be tremendously appreciated.
I believe education is a right, not a privilege, which helps to establish a foundation for future success. The children will thrive and benefit profoundly because of your kind and thoughtful contribution.
I met Simone through a friend who is an activist for social justice and racial equality and was deeply moved by her story. I have been profoundly impressed by her dedication and commitment to her children's welfare and their growth into creative and abundant citizens and members of the community - on their own unique terms.
I truly admire her bold, courageous, and relentless action to bring that future to life for those beautiful children.
I believe that all children have the right to a first-quality education. To make this change, we need to seize every opportunity we find. So please join me in supporting Simone’s inspired and worthy quest to continue to provide these young people with the fair and equal learning opportunities they richly deserve.
Blessings and best wishes,
Scott Downs
Simone’s Story:
Hello, my name is Simone, a single parent, working as a teacher, and the sole provider for my children: a son aged eight and a daughter aged six. We live in council-owned social housing. I want to provide better opportunities through education for my family, to ensure their success in life.
My children were under-performing and under-achieving in their state school, which was to their disadvantage, and they were ultimately being failed despite additional learning interventions - not meeting the benchmark for their age and stage in basic areas such as reading and writing. My son would not speak or participate independently without an aid or prompter. He is very sensitive, an introvert and lacking in confidence, all of which contributed to his dis-engagement both academically and socially.
As a result of this shaky foundation, he had to repeat a year, in order to work on his confidence (mentally and physically) and improve his academic skills.
With my daughter I had the opposite problem. She shows exceptional academic aptitude, but it was not identified or encouraged, and she wasn’t challenged. This led to her getting bored and restless at the local school. I, therefore, made the decision to move them to an independent school that was willing to accept, encourage and develop them.
There are many fundamental benefits that have come about in their learning and development since being at this independent school. Their confidence has rocketed, academic achievements have increased significantly, with them working above national curriculum standards. The children are happy at their school, their presence there has been extremely beneficial to their sense of self-worth as well as their personal and educational development. Both children are settled, learning, striving and developing new and enriching skills.
It is pivotal for my children to continue their learning journey in such a holistic educational institution, one that will support them to grow and achieve academically and personally. I am not accustomed to asking for help, however, I am determined to continue the educational experiences of my children thus far. The costs involved are a significant challenge each term. Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic I had to rely on different support systems such as weekly community and church food banks, to ensure that our basic needs were met. The school fee per child is £10,740 per annum, and I have directed every penny of my income to support them. However, I am currently in arrears for this academic year. I send my children to an independent school because in my view the state school options available to them are poor and under-resourced. My best intention is to provide a better educational opportunity for them and show what can be done for future generations.
I can only maintain their level of education if I am able to gain access to financial support. Hence my approach to you: Your kind donation (any amount, large or small) in support of my children’s future will be tremendously appreciated.
I believe education is a right, not a privilege, which helps to establish a foundation for future success. The children will thrive and benefit profoundly because of your kind and thoughtful contribution.
Organizer and beneficiary
Scott Downs
Organizer
England
Simone Williams
Beneficiary