Keith Grammar School pupils get the chance to get in plane's cockpit
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CHILDREN at Keith Grammar School were thrilled to be given the chance to get inside the cockpit of an aeroplane on school grounds.
Thanks to charity Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), who visited the school on Thursday, June 15, pupils and staff were able to see the plane up close and personal.
As well as being able to get inside the cockpit, children were able to get in a simulator and visit a photographic exhibition highlighting MAF's work.
Members of the public were also given the chance to see the plane, after school hours, which was equally as popular.
Andy Martin, Church ministry leader, said: "It was a fantastic day. We were busy right through until 5.30pm with visitors from the school and the community.
"Kids of all ages enjoyed the event and teachers and members of the public did too. From our point of view, it's helping raise the profile of who we are and what we do.
"It was great to allow people to see the extent of what we do. You can tell people stories but getting to see and get in the aeroplane and use the simulator makes it tangible."
MAF, established in 1945, uses planes to overcome natural and man-made barriers to deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, schoolbooks, food and medicines to people in need around the world.
It has a plane taking off or landing every six minutes, making it the world's largest humanitarian airline.
This free event allowed children to learn about the charity's work – and there were plenty of questions and points put to Andy by keen youngsters.
"It's about developing their understanding of global citizenship," Andy said. "The kids were very understanding and had real compassion in their hearts.
"After the photographic exhibition we have a Q+A session where the kids can ask about the photographs, and talk about how they make them feel.
"Some of their answers are so profound. The kids had a simplistic approach to dealing with issues, without a political agenda."
Children were set the task of producing artwork that details their thoughts on the work MAF does. These pictures were on display in Keith North Church over the weekend.
If anyone would like MAF to visit their school or local community, get in touch with Andy Martin at andy.martin@maf-uk.org
