Midlands women take the plunge in Longford school fundraiser

A group of determined Midlands women swam almost 3km across Lough Owel as part of a concerted effort to raise funds to build a new school along the Longford-Westmeath border.

The swimming challenge took place recently with a view to raising funds to source building materials and school supplies for the new Midhe Democratic School. Two of the members of the school founding team are Ballymahon natives and sisters Amanda Clarke and Dani Kavanagh.

'We were aware from our collective training in child and adolescent psychotherapy and psychology, of the scientific evidence outlining that children are biologically programmed to learn through play; and that what inhibits this innate capacity to learn are things like pressure, stress, anxiety, lack of movement, and hunger," said Amanda. 

"We, as parents, started to wonder about alternative school models where children could have more freedom to learn who they are, and what they are passionate about. 

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"That's when we came across the idea of self-directed learning and heard that there were already some amazing democratic, self-directed learning communities thriving in Ireland.

“We were invited to spend one week at Sligo Sudbury School and from there, we knew this was it. This was what was missing in the midlands.”

The campaign is in aid of Midhe Democratic School which aims to provide an inclusive and safe, self-directed learning environment for 5-18 year-olds.

Students can learn through play, at their own pace and follow their passions.

Initially the swim fundraiser raised more than €2,800, but more support has since come on stream with a view to reaching the swimmers’ €5,000 target.

Amanda said the occasion itself could not have gone any better as thoughts turn to making the dream of a new Midhe Democratic School a distinct reality.

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"The fundraising event was a huge success," she said. 

"We had nine swimmers on the day and a team of kayakers to support. 

"They made it across safely from Portloman to Lough Owel Diving Boards in under 90 minutes.

"The distance across is almost 3km.

“The swimmers were met with hot drinks and cakes, and a big celebration was had. 

"A total of €4,530 was raised for building materials and learning resources for Midhe Democratic School, for which we are incredibly grateful. ”

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