London Bangla A Force for the community…
By Emdad Rahman
Students at Barking Abbey School have once again proved the power of unity, resilience and compassion through a remarkable fundraising campaign to support those affected by the recent floods in Bangladesh.
Organised by the school’s Junior Leadership Team (JLT), the virtual challenge – dubbed the “Walk to Bangladesh” was designed not just to raise vital funds but also to build awareness and empathy within the school community. The goal was simple but ambitious: to collectively walk 4,963 miles – the distance from Barking to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Over two determined days students and staff from both Longbridge Road and Sandringham Road campuses rallied together in tremendous fashion.
Despite intense summer heat, the students showed unrelenting spirit and demonstrated the school’s BEST values: Bravery, Excellence, Self-discipline, and TeamBA.
The Numbers That Made It Happen:
Day One – Longbridge Campus
• Year 7 LR: 655 miles
• Year 8 LR: 425 miles
• Year 9 LR: 471 miles
• Year 10 LR: 387 miles
• ARP Sports Day (LR): 888 miles
Day Two – Sandringham Campus
• Year 7 SR: 889 miles
• Year 8 SR: 781 miles
• Year 9 SR: 600 miles
• Year 10 SR: 402 miles
• Year 12: 505 miles
• Football Academies: 112 miles
And in a fantastic display of dedication, staff also took to local parks in the evenings, adding even more mileage to the final total.
Final Tally: 6,088 miles walked!
That’s over 1,100 miles beyond the original target.
“We didn’t just reach Dhaka, we sailed right past it!” said proud organiser Haaris Ayub. “This has been an extraordinary display of what our school community can achieve together.”
The JLT’s efforts – ranging from planning and logistics to taking part themselves have also served to highlight the leadership potential of young people when they’re given the space and trust to take initiative.
Beyond the walking, the event has helped raise much needed funds for flood victims in Bangladesh, a nation hit hard by recent monsoon rains and rising river levels. All proceeds will go directly to aid relief efforts on the ground.
Want to Help?
Donations are still being accepted through the JLT’s JustGiving page: JustGiving – Barking Abbey JLT
Alternatively, you can follow and support the initiative via Instagram:
@BarkingAbbeyJLT
The Golden Tie of Honour
As a mark of recognition, members of the JLT proudly wear a prestigious golden tie – a symbol of their leadership, service, and commitment to community.
This inspiring event is yet another example of how young people at Barking Abbey are living out their values—not just in classrooms, but on the fields, in their communities, and across the world.
Screenshot
