Lakewood Second-Graders Raise Funds to Provide Clean Water for Kenya School Children

When second-graders at West Ottawa’s Lakewood Elementary School learned that 1.4 billion children die every year after getting sick from dirty water, they did what they could do to help.

With the goal of raising $3,500 to help provide clean water for a school in Kenya, the second-graders sought the help of everyone at Lakewood Elementary. They did everything they could think of  to earn money. They did chores such as rubbing their mother’s necks, shoveling snow, vacuuming and mopping floors, washing dishes, making beds, walking and giving their dogs a bath. They gave up such things as going to McDonalds or Burger King, buying hot chocolate at school, going to movies or buying a toy. One student is coordinating a walking fundraiser in her neighborhood.

Now they need your help to reach their goal. They need public contributions to realize the $3,500 goal. The money will go to Aqua Clara, a Holland organization that provides means to gather rainwater, purification systems for the water gathered, systems for washing hands, as well as education on the importance of clean water and washing to schools in Kenya.

“The students felt they couldn’t let children die elsewhere without trying to help,” said Principal Elizabeth VanderWege. “They’re hoping there are others out there who also want to help. Reaching the $3,500 goal would mean so much to them.”

Those wanting to help can send a check made out to Lakewood PTA and mail it  c/o Lakewood Elementary School, 2134 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI 49424 or call (616) 786-1300.

The unit that taught students that water is a natural resource was an outgrowth of the West Ottawa Public Schools’ International Baccalaureate concepts that teach students to think globally and share the planet while being inquisitive, caring, principled, reflective and taking action.

While creating an action plan, they decided to make “Think Again Bottles” to help those who need clean water. The bottles were water bottles that they decorated with fact stickers, so they could drink the water with their families and talk about things they learned, then use the bottles to put in the money they earned.

They will collect all the bottles from students in two weeks and count the money they raised, with the hope that it and whatever money the public contributes will raise the $3,500. A corporate donor has agreed to match whatever the school raises. In addition to the money, they will also send a picture of the second-graders and some letters.

The $3,500 will provide enough pennies to cover four miles (about the distance many children have to walk to find water every day) and provide one entire school with the systems needed for pure water.