Volunteer teacher raises £20k for equipment

7:20am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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An afterschool volunteer teacher from Barnet has raised £20,000 over ten years for equipment and facilities.

Debbie Constantinou, 50, celebrated her fundraising for Walker Primary School, in Waterfall Road, Southgate, on Monday at her fitness and drama classes for five- to 11-year-olds.

Parents contribute £3 per session, but Mrs Constantinou has never taken a penny in ten years, donating all proceeds to the school instead.

She said: “I wanted to help all the shy children standing at the back of the classroom come out of the shadows.” Mrs Constantinou, an ex-dancer and actress from Ashurst Road, helped the children, script and choreograph a performance of Showtime Special, which they put on for parents on Monday night.

“It was a huge success,” she said. “The kids have completely changed from how they were at the start. Now they have confidence, balance, co-ordination and fitness.

“Those who didn’t think they could sing, can sing, those who didn’t think they could dance, can dance.” Call Mrs Constantinou on 07956 853020 to book a place on the next course, beginning in September.