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Get Involved: Friends in Action: ArticlesSmall Change Can Bring Big Changes
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| Students celebrating their fundraising efforts |
When Jenn Loewen heard that Hellen Nkuraiya and Sabore Ole Oyie— Maasai leaders and Asante Africa partners—were speaking at the local library last fall, she jumped at the opportunity to take her 8-year-old son to see them. The Orion School teacher had spent several years of her childhood living in Kenya, and wanted to give her son exposure to the people and culture of east Africa.
What began as a friendly conversation between Loewen and the Asante Africa team led to our African ambassadors visiting the Redwood City school and giving a presentation to 185 students ranging in age from kindergarten through 5th grade. Orion School had a history of teaching global citizenship, supporting causes like the Heifer Fund, so the presentation was a natural fit.
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| Orion School Students completing another lap |
The children of Orion School are not wealthy, yet they donated the small change from their piggy banks, requested donations from friends, family and neighbors, and even chose to forego Christmas and birthday gifts in exchange for contributions to the Asante Africa cause.
Together, they raised more than $5,000, money that was used to completely furnish Hellen’s new classroom.
“I’m so proud of what they’ve done,” says Loewen. “For some of these kids, their donations of $5 and $10 are really big contributions from families who don’t have a lot themselves.”
Judging by the smiles on the faces of Hellen’s students, their efforts are much appreciated.
