Students at Holy Cross Catholic School in South Portland heard back this week from students they recently helped at the Ngamo Primary School in Zimbabwe.

The Holy Cross students raised and sent $370 to the school in the southern African country, assisting 19 students with their school fees, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine.

The Holy Cross students received photos Monday showing the Ngamo students holding a sign that reads, “Thank you Holy Cross! May God bless you all. Thank you!!!”

The Holy Cross community decided to “adopt” the school after Principal Christine L’Abbé visited Ngamo during a safari and described the situation upon returning to South Portland. The Ngamo school charges $10 per trimester and students are sent home if they can’t afford it.

To support the Ngamo school, Holy Cross students started an ongoing Tootsie Pop sale, held bake sales, collected change and made personal sacrifices. One student who won a regional speech contest donated her $50 prize to the cause, while another student collected nearly $100 during a family Memorial Day gathering.

“I am truly impressed with the outreach,” L’Abbé said. “Our students are learning that a small donation can make a huge difference in the lives of others. What a blessing.”

The Holy Cross students will continue raising money for Ngamo students in the months to come, and next year, All Saints Catholic School in Bangor is expected to begin raising money for the Ngamo Secondary School.

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