Teenager aims to teach orphans to swim
Giverny Barrett is seeking funding to help her teach Burmese orphans to swim as part of a gap year
AN 18-year-old Newbury woman is appealing for the public's help so she can teach Burmese orphans to swim.
Giverny Barrett, of Wickham, Newbury, will be heading to the southeast Asian country in January as part of a gap year that will also see her travelling across Australia, starting in September.
The Park House student, who is hoping to study occupational therapy at Cardiff University next September depending on her A-Level result this summer, will teach English in a Burmese orphanage associated with the charity, Graceworks, but also wants to teach the orphans to swim in her spare time.
The 18-year-old, who has been a swimming instructor at Northcroft Leisure Centre for three and a half years, needs funding so she can pay for the children's transport to the nearest swimming pool, which is 90 minutes away, as well as their admittance to the pool.
Miss Barrett, who used to represent Great Britain in biathle, said: “The children don't have much to do after school. A few of them have splashed around in the water but they haven't had anyone qualified to teach them before. Apparently most of them can't swim at all which I think is really sad.
“My skills are teaching swimming and there's a swimming pool at the hotel I'm staying in so it makes sense.
“I think they will enjoy the lessons, it's a new skill for them to learn and one that could potentially save their life.
Northcroft Leisure Centre manager, Alex Godfrey, is backing his employee's challenge.
He said: “Giverny is one of our most popular instructors so I'm sure she'll be a success in Burma.
“We're going to give her any equipment she needs to assist her teaching. It will also mean the children can continue to swim when Giverny leaves.”
For approximately £6, Miss Barrett will be able to teach one orphan how to swim.
To make a donation individuals and businesses are asked to visit Northcroft Leisure Centre where money is being collected in buckets or call the centre on 01635 31199.
