A touching story can be a very powerful motivational tool.
Joanna Edwards’ Grade 6/7 class at Laity View elementary recently read an inspirational book which encouraged the students to complete a difficult task for the betterment of kids like themselves who live thousands of kilometres away.
Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water tells the true story for Salva Dut, a young girl who often spends her whole day walking back-and-forth to a well to get water for her family – a chore not uncommon in South Sudan, where the story takes place.
Even with the effort put forth to acquire the thirst quenching liquid, the water was often muddy and sometimes unsafe to drink.
After hearing the story was true, the Laity View students decided to raise some money by taking part in a walk-for-water challenge.
“Ice cream is a treat (for us), said Lynden, one of the students taking part.
“For South Sudan, water is a treat.”
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“We will be walking five kilometres while carrying four litre jugs of water in hopes of raising money for the people of South Sudan,” said Edwards.
“Together, we can help Water for South Sudan drill more wells and provide more clean water to people in need.
“With a well in their village, children could go to school instead of spending their days walking for water.”
The students will take part in the challenge on May 28, and have set up a fundraising site on classy.org help them reach their goal of raising $1,000.
“You can be sure that it will benefit a great cause,” said Edwards.
Have a story tip? Email: ronan.p.odoherty@blackpress.ca
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