How You Can Support: St. Martin’s Students Walking For Water & Ngosuani Girls

Written by St. Martin School on 23 October 2013

St. Martin School students walk to better learn the challenges of daily life for Ngosuani girls. Photo St.MartinSchool

by Mandy Godin and Dave Mauro

Photo St.MartinSchool

TERRACE BAY, ON – Within our world there are many children, especially girls, who do not have the luxury of obtaining an education for a variety of reasons. This lack of education results in a continued cycle of poverty, especially in underdeveloped countries. Education is one of the strongest components to break a cycle of poverty. Therefore, last year the schools within the Superior North Catholic District School Board joined forces with the Free the Children organization to raise money to build a school in Ngosuani.

“I learned that we all take things for granted and the people in Africa don’t even have half the things we have, and yet they still work and fight to keep on living to make their world a better place”. Mary Ford, Grade 6

However, even though the children within Ngosuani may now have access to an education, not all members of the community will have the opportunity to attend. The girls within the community have the responsibly of obtaining water for their families on a daily basis. They must walk up to 12 km away from their village in order to fulfill this obligation; a total of 24 km for one return trip. This does not allow time for school. As a result, this year the schools within the board have made a commitment to build a well in Ngosuani so that all children, both male and female, will have an equal opportunity for an education. This education will ensure a better future for all children and the generations to follow.

“I learned that it is hard to walk for the water and the women walk four times more than we did EVERYDAY! I think we did this so we can feel what it is like to walk a little, and to show us how much we take advantage of things other people don’t have.” Hunter Coughlin, Grade 6

In order for the students to experience a small glimpse firsthand of the challenges in obtaining water by the girls of Ngosuani , the Grade 5/6 and 7/8 students walked to the Terrace Bay Beach carrying containers perched on their heads to imitate the water retrieving process. It was an enlightening experience for all, resulting in the students deciding to take the experience a step further.

“I learned that you should be thankful for what you have, like water from a tap….The feeling that you get is mindboggling. You feel exhausted but good that you are helping people who need help”. Austin MacLeod, Grade 6.

On November 1^st beginning at 10:40 am the students will participate in Walking for Water which will consist of walking a predetermined route in Terrace Bay carrying one or several water pack(s). Our hope is to draw awareness to the plight of the many children in the world, as well as raise funds for our well project. We are inviting community members to support us in this endeavour by either participating in the walk or sponsoring the participating students.