Brewster High School students are changing the world. For the seventh year, they have participated in We Walk For Water, in which they walk the footsteps of the children of South Sudan who have to make a daily walk for water–1.5 hours to “the pond” and then 1.5 hours “back to their village.” The day is the culmination of a fundraiser in which they have raised close to $4,269 this year and $42,000 since 2017 for six wells in South Sudan through Water for South Sudan.
Their engagement grew from the books they read in English class: “Running for My Life,” “They Poured Fire on Us,” and “A Long Walk To Water.”
“Books can lead you all over the world, including places where things are inequitable, and can lead to engagement,” said organizer and English teacher Jessica Juska. “It is a pleasure to take you on a journey through reading and books. I am proud of you for the work you have done.”
During a morning program, students heard from speaker Elissa Rowley, Director of Communications for Water For South Sudan, who said, “You know that direct access to clear water immediately impacts individuals and communities. But do you know the long-term effects of clean water on health, education, economic opportunities and overall well-being?”
Wearing sneakers and We Walk for Water t-shirts, students and staff went out to the track to start their walk–the sun had just come up after a night of rain.
Top fundraisers were awarded Water for South Sudan hats, signed copies of “A Long Walk For Water,” and miniature giraffe statues that symbolically represent the drilling rig used to drill wells, known by the natives as the iron giraffe. Davia Arias is currently the top fundraiser for this year's walk, bringing in over $500. Sophomores Josh Skennion and Kevin Reyes broke the record for most miles walked on the day of the event: 18.5.
To find out more or donate to this cause: https://tinyurl.com/bddh9en6
