Sophie Mackaness (2016) was thrilled with the generosity of  the Heriot's community as she came into the school to collect donated items of swimwear and stationery yesterday.

The donated items will travel with Sophie to Mozambique on Saturday where she will be working with the organisation Love the Oceans. The collection of donated swimwear and stationery includes 44 pairs of boys’ shorts, 20 girls’ swimming costumes, 18 caps, 9 bucket hats, 15 rash vests and 13 pairs of goggles. 

Love the Oceans completes marine conservation research and education with the local community, including swimming lessons and young women's sexual health education.

In Sophie’s words:

My passion for marine biology stemmed from my time at Heriot's - in particular lessons with Mr Ramage! Following my time at school I went on to study marine biology at Glasgow University including travels in Australia and now work in conservation. As a woman in STEM, and in the charity sector, I feel that my values and goals were supported by the staff at Heriot's and enabled me to follow my passion - thank you. I would love the opportunity to support more women in any form of education, such as this project provides to young people in Mozambique.

Sophie travels out to Mozambique on 2 September. We wish her a very successful trip.