GISBORNE Boys’ High School students raising awareness over the plight of child soldiers in Africa this week went as far as contacting one.

Students were on the streets of the CBD in the cold winter rain for Amnesty International yesterday.

Despite the weather and small number of people on the streets, they managed to raise $652.

The effort was part of Amnesty International’s Protect the Human Annual Appeal Week 2012.

Ethyn Milliken, one of the students in the campaign, said their aim was simple: Spread the message.

“You can’t really force a government to address a problem, but you can get them to recognise that there is one.”

Social studies teacher Cindy Gilbert praised their efforts.

“One student even went so far as to speak via the internet to a former child soldier.

“They really went above and beyond.”

Student Benjamin Deighton said the lousy weather did not deter them from campaigning.

“It’s for a good cause so we don’t really mind the cold.”

The fundraising was planned for today, but some of Ms Gilbert’s students are representative rugby players for the school and are away today.

Ms Gilbert visited Rwanda and researched the 1994 genocide there, which is why the accelerated classes took part in the fundraising.

“The students were really enthusiastic despite the weather and hopefully educated the public they came in contact with about the plight of child soldiers.

“I am very proud of their efforts in class and in their developed social awareness.”