In March of 2019, 30 students from Oak Park High School arrived in the community of Kipasan on the Maasai Mara looking to change the lives of the people of that community by assisting in the construction of a much needed classroom for their primary school. While the students made a huge contribution to the school by finishing the foundation and floor of the classroom while in the Narok region of Kenya, it paled in comparison to the impact that the Kipasan community had on the students. Challenged, frustrated, enthralled, enlightened and then empowered, the students returned to their school understanding the challenges that face these beautiful people they were fortunate to meet. Living subsistent, the families and children of Kipasan left an indelible mark on each and every one of the students. Having walked in the footsteps of one of the local mamas to a small well, filled with contaminated water not fit for human consumption, the students learned how each family makes due with preparing the daily haul of water for cleaning, cooking and drinking. The walk was difficult and few of the students could carry their filled jerry-can from the well back to the mama’s humble home. All the more frustrating was knowing that this incredibly strong woman must make that same trip 5-7 times a day. What if there was a clean water source nearby that would lessen the burden. What if the water provided was already potable – clean enough to wash, clean, cook and most importantly drink? Enter ME to WE and the resolve of those students who are now committed to raising money to provide a clean source of water for a community like Kipasan. Please assist us in raising $10,000 to help 2 communities in need. Assante Sana (Thank you very much)
