doing good spotlight

Freedom Shores Elementary School Stomps Out Poverty

By BARBARA MENDEZ

BOYNTON BEACH — To understand another person’s plight, one really needs to walk a mile in their shoes. Freedom Shores Elementary School students are taking this literally by simulating the real-life conditions many of the world’s poorest children and women face every day just to get water to their families.

On Thursday, students will take turns carrying jugs filled with water around the school’s front parking lot to raise funds and public awareness to the burden young people in developing countries typically carry for many miles.

“We want our students to learn about the needs of others around the world and to appreciate that they have easy access to clean water, a free education, and healthcare, something millions of children lack,” Guidance Counselor Rosilis Cuevas said.

The school’s guidance department is organizing the school wide March-a-thon as part of the O Ambassadors program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Kids Can Free The Children. The school-based program is part of the curriculum developed to inspire youth all over North America to become active, compassionate and knowledgeable global citizens who will find real solutions to worldwide challenges.

As members of the O Ambassadors Club, Freedom Shores’ students are learning about poverty, education, health and sustainable development around the world, the core themes of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

“Our students know they’re never too young to make a change for the better,” Freedom Shores Principal Valerie Haines said. “I’m very proud to be a part of a network of student organizations working towards a better tomorrow.”

The March-a-thon, to stomp-out poverty, will provide an opportunity for the community and children to work together to raise funds.  This project focuses on tackling poverty as well as providing education, healthcare, and sustainable development, the four themes of the O Ambassador program.

Sponsor a student by pledging money for each lap they walk or make a flat donation to this cause. All monies, from dimes to dollars, big or small, are happily accepted and appreciated.

“Our students are prepared to make an impact in the lives of others,” Guidance Counselor Barbara Mendez said. “They’re taking a leadership role in Boynton Beach and striving to make a difference."

The Doing Good Spotlight is intended to highlight good works that make a difference in Palm Beach and Broward counties. We want to hear your story. We'll feature it here, and in the Doing Good Edition of The Outlook. Click to submit stories. And we do love pictures. .

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MARCH 25, 2009 click to go home
 
     
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