St Gregory's Learning Lab

Did you know that:

• In Cheltenham, an affluent town, approximately 13.4% of children are ‘living in poverty’?
• The number of exclusions in Cheltenham schools has remained above the county, regional and national levels and 

       is continuing to rise?

• There is a strong correlation between poverty, poor mental health and risk of exclusion from school?

What’s the project?

• The school would like to create an outdoor learning space by recycling shipping containers and turning concreted  areas into a wildlife space where the children will learn in various subjects. 
• This area will be carbon neutral and use solar energy and rain water harvesting, teaching the children how to look after their beautiful world!
• Learning lab will be opened out of school time to community groups to inspire them too.
• The total cost is £51,000. The school have been pledged £25,000 if they can find match funding to be able to begin  the project.

Challenge Taken:

Anna Katarzyna Manouchery's children attend St Gregory’s School.  She wanted  to support this exciting project "because it shapes children's future by enhancing their learning,  promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and highlighting the importance of sustainable living.  It addresses the widening   inequality gap because it is for all to use and learn together, irrespective of background.  It  is also for use by other community groups further afield than the school".  Anna undertook a sponsored trek to raise  money towards this courageous venture!  Anna left to undertake her trek on 13th October 2019 and  planed to reach Annapurna Base Camp in  Himalayas.

Anna told us "This is the most physically and mentally ambitious project I have ever taken on, especially as I was not really an  active person prior to setting this goal. I see this trek as a once in a lifetime adventure!"  She went on to explain "I am trekking to influence the future of all of our local children and highlight the impact the widening inequality gap  has on the community."