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Help Me Make a Difference in Lesotho
Hi everyone,
My name is Katie Sharkey, and I’m 15 years old. I’m a Transition Year student in Portmarnock Community School, Dublin.
In March 2026, I’ll have the incredible opportunity to travel to Lesotho, Africa as part of a volunteer group with Action Ireland Trust. Over the past several years, this partnership between my school and Action Ireland Trust has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of children and teachers in five schools in Lesotho — directly helping more than 6,000 learners and 180 teachers.
This amazing project has already achieved so much:
- Safe, hygienic toilet blocks for students and teachers
- Kitchens built and equipped to provide daily meals (for many, their only meal of the day)
- Boreholes and fresh water systems to supply clean drinking water
- Solar panels to support energy needs for lighting, cooking, and learning
- School gardens to teach agricultural skills and supplement meals
- Proper classrooms and learning resources
- Health and hygiene education, especially supporting girls to stay in school
In 2026, our TY group will continue this important work by helping with:
- Classroom support and education programmes
- Construction, painting, and gardening
- A swimming programme to teach water safety
- Health, hygiene, and wellbeing initiatives
I feel honoured and excited to have been chosen for this life-changing experience. I want to do my part to give back and help improve the lives of students in Lesotho but I can’t do it alone.
I am raising funds to cover the cost of this volunteer trip, and every donation, big or small, will make a difference. Your support will not only help me get there but also help bring education, clean water, and better opportunities to thousands of children.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me in any way you can whether that’s donating or sharing this page.
Thank you,
Katie Sharkey
Organizer
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Action Ireland Trust
Beneficiary