Elementary school students managed to raise more than $20,000 in only 13 days.

They hope to end poverty and let all children go to school.

Fourth- and fifth-graders in Tacoma, Washington raised money for children in Kenya.

10-year-old Leah Varkey, a student at Northeast Tacoma Elementary School, asked her family and friends to donate. She wrote a speech to raise funds at her church and raised over $1,500 by herself.

Leah wants to help children in Kenya have a better future. She told CNN: “Children in Kenya are not able to go to school because they have household chores. They live on the countryside and there’s no schools near them.

“The best way to end child poverty is education.”

Seven schools came together and raised $10,000 for an education service project. Students learned about global and local issues and chose the lack of education in Kenya. The funds raised will go toward constructing classrooms.

The schools will give the funds to WE, an organization that empowers sustainable community services. WE will choose a community, construct and equip classrooms, and train teachers.

In 13 days, the students raised $20,584, enough to build two classrooms.

11-year-old Jack Andrew said he was inspired by the number of people who helped. He raised $2,100 through packets he distributed.

Aidan Oehling, also 11 years old, sent fliers, made phone calls and sent emails throughout the community to raise money.

“A lot of kids here who have the education are complaining about school, but when you think about it, they’re [Kenyan children] very happy to have school. It kind of is life changing, when you think about it.”

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree we need more people like them to keep this world a great place for all of us? SHARE this inspiring story with your family and friends!

 

 

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