Abingdonian 2020

51 www.abingdon.org.uk Summer Term had available to them at home instead. A combination of cycling, running and walking saw the total distance more than covered over a weekend and just over £2,000 was raised as a result. This donation could not have come at a more welcome time as lockdown and school closures were having a very significant impact on the poorest families in Moldova. Agape had been quick to organise donations of plant seedlings and chickens to these families to help them to provide food for themselves, but the money raised by the Abingdon boys also allowed them to, among other things, provide educational supplies and resources to allow their children to engage in the online learning provided by their schools that had been inaccessible to them before. This support went to 100 different families so, although the sixth formers did not get to visit Moldova this year, they can still be assured that they made a big difference to the lives of people out there. Abingdon’s partnership with Agape began in 2000 with our first donation being sent in December of that year. In the 20 years since, over 150 Abingdon pupils have visited Moldova and nearly £85,000 has been donated to Agape. It seems appropriate to end with some words from Nicu Bocaneala, Director of Agape for all of those years: “The educational partnership between Abingdon and Agape is of incalculable value and a unique experience for Moldova, I think. It is a transformational partnership, providing experiences that have changed the destiny of many teachers and young people, and has left a visible mark on the lives of schools and communities. We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed with their time, their money and especially with their love for Moldova and its people.” Adam Jenkins