A group of students at Niverville Middle School were recently inspired by a novel study to do something tangible to make the world a better place.
It all started when a Grade Seven class read A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. The novel is based on the true story of Salva Dut and his struggle for access to clean water in South Sudan in the 1980s. After learning that Dut currently operates a non-profit organization called Water for South Sudan (WSS), the students decided to raise money in support of the worthy cause.
Two classes teamed up, with the help of teachers Laurie Loeppky and Becky Tomlinson, to launch the fundraiser.
“As a Grade Seven team, we decided to register for a school challenge to fundraise to contribute to the drilling of a well in South Sudan,” Loeppky says. “We are really excited about making real-life connections and helping others in need across the world.”
They chose to raise money by selling the ever-popular Krispy Kreme donuts.
The students are involved in both advertising the fundraiser and advocating for its great cause. Their goal is to sell 50 dozen donuts to raise $700 for WSS.
On December 18, the students held their first fundraising sale. And it was a big success. They raised $597, meaning that they are almost certain to meet and exceed their goal at the second planned sale, to be held on January 22.
Water for South Sudan aims to deliver sustainable quality of life services to and with the people of South Sudan by efficiently providing access to clean, safe water and improving sanitation practices.
“It was such a pleasure to help out in this fundraiser,” says seventh-grader Ashton Watt. “It warms my heart knowing that the money will help build a well in South Sudan. I’m very glad we got to do this fundraiser and I hope the money helps the people there.”
A fellow student, Hannah Tomlinson, echoes those sentiments.
“South Sudan is one of the many countries that doesn’t have access to clean water,” Tomlinson says. “Lucky for them, Salva Dut and his organization wants to help people have fresh water.”
To help inspire the effort, the group has created a cheer: “While we raise, you eat the glazed!”
“To me, that’s a win-win,” says another student, Alice Dacombe. “Help us build a well for people in need in South Sudan!”
