The charity at Kenilworth School which raises money for three vital causes in Africa is looking forward to returning to normality for the new academic year.

Urban Sounds for Uyogo (USU) is run by students and normally raises most of its money through the annual talent show in February.

Due to the pandemic, the 2021 show was cancelled, but plans are already well underway to reinstate the tradition for next year with February 15 and 16 already earmarked for the performances.

Money raised through USU, which started in 2004, supports Elephants for Africa, Water Aid and has very close links with Kenilworth Uyogo Friendship Link.

As well as the February show USU also raises money throughout the year, using fundraising ideas put forward by students.

Religious Studies teacher Mr Ovenden, who overseas the project, said that student leadership is the core of USU.

"My role is to oversee a team of sixth formers who are in charge of the project. So I am more of a facilitator and this run by students, led by students," he said.

"They love managing the whole thing, they love the responsibility in leading the lower school pupils and showing and developing their leadership skills."

With the 2021 talent show cancelled students had to get inventive this year. They managed to raise over £1,500 through sponsored cycles during the summer, which was used to buy 32 bikes to send to girls in Uyogo, Tanzania to help them get to school.

The money was donated to the KUFL who arranged for the donations.

"We have had videos back from the girls saying how much of a difference the bicycles made," said Mr Ovenden, "so that has been a big positive coming out of last year."

Videos sent between students in Uyogo and Kenilworth is another key element the charity is trying to push.

"USU is more than just the talent show in February, the wider aim is not just to raise money, but to build links between our community and the schools in Uyogo, and that is something that we are really trying to develop."

Mr Ovenden said the videos were not just a brilliant way of sharing different cultures, but also helped inspire the students in Kenilworth to get more involved.

"Its amazing that they want to find out more and see how the money is being spent," he said.

"I think the sixth formers love seeing the difference that the money and the fundraising is making and that gets them really enthused to get involved."

Headmaster at Kenilworth School Mr Abbott added: "I am really proud of all of our students, the USU committee, and all who have been involved with USU.

"Following on from the hard work of previous students, our current students have continued to transform lives in Uyogo. My thanks to everyone."

More information can be found online here.