Students work to help Zimbabwe girl
By Thea Faulkner
JACKSON — Sister Thea Bowman School third grade students have experienced a lesson in entrepreneurship and in the process earned over $115 to give to someone over 10,000 miles away. Students designed a variety of Easter greeting cards, packaged them and advertised their availability on the school’s website. Proceeds were used to purchase life-giving support to their adopted classmate, Bridget, another third grader who lives in Zimbabwe.
Since the beginning of the school year the students have sent monthly financial gifts to sponsor Bridget through World Vision’s Hope Child project. This initiative provides assistance to children who have been diagnosed with AIDS, or whose communities have been affected by AIDS.
Their monthly assistance provides nutritious foods, health care, HIV/AIDS counseling, and educational opportunities. “The students set a goal to raise $100 by selling the Easter cards,” said teacher Lindsey Johns. “This amount would enable them to purchase a dairy goat and two chickens for Bridget and her family. The additional money will be used towards us continuing the $35 monthly support.”
According to World Vision’s website, dairy goats provide fertilizer to increase crop yields and essential protein rich milk, cheese and yogurt. Fresh eggs also provide vital nutrients to aid in the family’s overall dietary needs. The animals also provide much needed income by providing offspring and extra dairy products to sell.
Johns said the students understood the need for nutritional support based on their own experiences. Each day, as she distributes “brain food” snacks rich in whole grains, they discuss nutrition facts and their effect on learning and overall health.
“Our gift will continue to help Bridget and her family beyond what our monthly support can provide,” Johns said, adding certainly these animals will continue to give in the future as they grow.
“We have received a letter from Bridget’s family. She is doing well in school and loves to play soccer. Her family grows crops such as millet and sorghum, but due to little rainfall in their region their yield is too small to send to the garden market board.
“They are truly thankful for our support, but we’re truly thankful for this opportunity to share some of our goods with those who need it more than us.”
For additional information regarding World Vision’s Hope Child’s program, visit www.worldvision.org.
Proceeds were used to purchase life-giving support to their adopted classmate, Bridget, another third grader who lives in Zimbabwe. 