Rutherford House Supports Amnesty International
At the Rutherford House gala night on 4th March parents, staff and students came together for an evening of live music, performed by House members, and to hear from human rights charity Amnesty International.
The event brought the Rutherford community together with student performances and refreshments.
Angie from Amnesty International the House’s chosen charity spoke about their work to raise awareness for the five Hong Kong book sellers who have gone missing after selling pro-democracy literature.
Senior Head of Rutherford House Mr. Chan presented Amnesty with a cheque for $20,000 raised by students during their charity week and from parent’s pledges.
On the Rutherford House symbol, a tree, families could pin leaves on which they had written why freedom of speech was so important to them. Their messages include;
“Without freedom of speech the means to express ourselves accurately and honestly will disappear.”
“We wouldn’t even be here if not for freedom of speech. Don’t take it away.”
Mr. Chan said; “The week of campaigning has been about raising awareness of our students to the issues around the freedom of speech, and I am delighted with the engaged and reflective manner in which the students have responded. The Gala Night was very much the icing on the cake. If anyone wants to understand what we mean by House Spirit, come to our Gala Night! Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful evening. The video is on it’s way!”
Visit the Island School Facebook page to see more of the work done by Rutherford House members to raise awareness about the need for freedom of speech.
“Island School is a high quality and innovative school and one that is confident of its direction, has a clear vision for its future.” COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS REPORT 2016.
