The man who built a school
Published 8 February 2013
The man behind the opening of a school in Nepal for children who had no access to education has been honoured by the University of Brighton.
Kevin Fossey, a senior lecturer in the university's School of Education, led the campaign to raise tens of thousands of pounds to construct school buildings, buy equipment and pay for daily subsistence for the pupils in the remote hilltop village of Malagiri.
He became the first recipient of the university's new Excellence in Community Engagement Award which recognises "outstanding professional and personal" commitment to community engagement by a staff member.
Lorraine Harrison, head of the School of Education, told the audiences at the university's winter graduation ceremony at the Brighton Dome, that it was Kevin's "boundless energy" that made the project such a success.
She said: "The school was opened in 2011 and is best described in Kevin's own words: 'it is a positive hub for a small rural community, taking the local families from lack of education and a struggle for survival to opportunities for change and hope for the future'.
Malagiri school
"The school would not have been possible without Kevin. His educational expertise and advice proved invaluable and villagers have learned fundamental skills such as reading, and they have developed new agricultural techniques.
"Every year a group of undergraduate students travel to Nepal to visit the school and to support educational projects across the country.
"Kevin's impact is evident within the university, across the region's schools and via a widespread network of professionals in Nepal. He has influenced the School of Education's portfolio and shaped professional and personal development of so many students.
"There is no doubt Kevin's work has a profound and pervasive impact on the culture of the School of Education."
Children at the school in Malagiri
Find out more about the School for Malagiri project.
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