Girls from The Queen’s School took part in a charity 10km walk to raise awareness of girls’ education in developing countries.

Girls from The Lower School and Years 7 and 9 of the Senior School walked around The Roodee to raise awareness as part of the PlanUK ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign.

They also raised money selling wristbands for the cause on October 11 – International Day of the Girl.

Thousands of girls from schools across the globe took part in the World Wide Walk. The 10k distance represents how far many girls have to travel every day to collect water for their families; a chore which means they don’t have time for school.

The issue of education for girls in developing countries is one that is championed by education activist Malala Yousafzai, a teenage girl from Pakistan who was shot by the Taliban for her campaigning activities.

The Queen's School reception pupils spell out ‘M’ for Malala
The Queen's School reception pupils spell out ‘M’ for Malala

Headmistress Sarah Clark said: “It is vitally important for our girls, who live in comfort in modern Britain, to understand that life isn’t like that for lots of children their age and there are countries and regions where girls rarely get the chance of an education.”

“This event brought home the reality of the situation for those children in developing countries. It made our pupils really think about, and value, the education they take for granted.”

Girls from The Queen’s School before their charity 10k walk around Chester Racecourse
Girls from The Queen’s School before their charity 10k walk around Chester Racecourse