East students raise funds for African village
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Students at East High School are learning one of life's most important lessons - how to be part of the global community.

Through Hands Around the World, a community service project at East, students raise funds to help African villages.

Senior Adam Korn was one of three students to start the project during the 2004-05 school year. Today it has grown to 50 active student members.

Hands Around the World adviser Robin Schara said she traveled with the organization World Hope International to Cambodia in the summer of 2004. When school started she presented the idea of supporting the country to East's Service Club Advisory Board.

Korn, who sat on the board, said the students decided to raise funds for the country and named the project Hands Around the World. It is currently in its third year of fundraising.

The first two years, $6,500 was raised, which went toward a well and playgrounds in Cambodia.

"It was one of the first playgrounds built in that country," said Korn, chairman of Hands Around the World. "Playgrounds are a staple in our community. Without them, basic fundamental skills are lacking."

Schara also supported the need for playgrounds in Cambodia, adding that playing helps children's brains develop, and there isn't a lot of fun and play in the country.

"Playgrounds help create creative children, and they learn to become leaders," she said.

In 2006-07 the members of Hands Around the World have set a goal of $5,000 for the African village of Sianyinda.

Vice Chairman Diana Jing, a sophomore, said the money will be used toward a lot of educational programs including chicken rearing, diseases such as AIDS, irrigation and sewing/tailoring.

The group is close to its goal, with $4,000 collected. Korn said donations will be accepted throughout the year.

Schara said the entire school community has become involved, including sports teams that have held fundraisers for mosquito netting and teachers who promoted the efforts of Hands Around the World through lessons.

"There are four goals of the club - one to educate people about poverty in Third World counties; two, raise money to assist those people. The third is to (teach the students) to be responsible global citizens and to really care about other cultures. Finally, to be in line with the Williamsville School District's character education (guidelines)," she said.

On Jan. 9, Hands Around the World was recognized for its efforts by the Board of Education, which pledged to assist in the fundraising efforts.

During the recognition, a video produced by junior Maddie Morcelle explained Hands Around the World's mission and encouraged the student body to get involved. The Board of Education praised the professionalism of the video.

The club has been holding sales throughout the year including a T-shirt designed by junior Ariel Lachler. Also sold are hot chocolate and cell phone charms. The hot chocolate sales have been the most popular, Korn said.

Hot chocolate is sold for $1, which equals a day's wage in Zambia, Africa.

Anyone interested in helping reach the goal should contact Schara at rschara@williamsvillek12.org.

Donations can be sent to the attention of Robin Schara at Williamsville East High School, 151 Paradise Road, East Amherst, N.Y. 14051.

Hands Around the World's slogan for the 2006-07 campaign is, "Sianyinda - Maybe you can't say it, but you can save it."

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com