Second annual event raised more than $7,000 to build a well in South Sudan
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Intermediate School (LIS) sixth grade students each carried one gallon of water two and half miles Friday, Oct. 30, in an effort to raise money for South Sudan. It’s called Walk for Water, and it was the idea of LIS English Teacher Jennifer Kirby last school year.
“Students read the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Parks – a story about the great distance children in Africa have to walk to retrieve water for their family daily,” said Kirby. “After reading the book and learning about the Lost Boys of Sudan and the water crisis, teachers and students were inspired to make a difference. We got sponsors for our Walk for Water, hoping to raise at least $5000, to help build a well in South Sudan.”
The students exceeded the goal. This year the group has raised $7,129.44 with donations continuing to come in. Last year students raised more than $7,200.
[pull_quote_left]All of the money raised is donated toward the building of a well in South Sudan[/pull_quote_left]“All of the money raised is donated toward the building of a well in South Sudan,” said Kirby. “We also hope that students learn not to take the things they have for granted and, especially, that they can make a difference in the world.”
The LIS-sponsored well is scheduled to be drilled this December. It takes $15,000 to construct a well. Students will receive pictures and information about the village benefiting from the well after construction begins.
“In addition to teaching our school’s curriculum, we want to give these children experiences that will help them become better citizens of the world,” said Kirby. “We hope to touch something in them that inspires them to help others, to do good and to realize that even one person can make a difference.”
To participate in the LIS Walk for Water event, each student brought in a full, unopened, gallon of water. Following the walk students donated the water to Matthew 25 Ministries – all 400 gallons.
