Members of Rho Kappa helped sort shoes at Waterstep’s facility as part of one of their major service projects. Waterstep allowed the students to take a tour of their headquarters and see what they do to help communities in Africa, as well as having the kids sort out the donated shoes that they collected.
Stefan Kourelis Fredriksson (12) is president of the club and organized the service project. He is very proud of how the project came together and was grateful to have learned so much.
“I learned about all the resources that Waterstep uses to provide clean water to the communities in Africa. They go through a long process to develop their different materials,” Fredriksson said.
“They even made something to help the communities in Africa carry water from point A to Point B by using something that they can push with water in it, instead of carrying it on their shoulders.”
He hopes the project made as big of an impact on the club members as it did on him.
“I feel like you’re not grateful for things until you realize what others don’t have. Hopefully it inspired others to make a difference and make the world a better place,” said Fredriksson.
Charles Schadt (11) is a member of the club and was also grateful to be able to help the organization.
“This experience was very eye opening. Growing up in a developed nation you’re not open to the problems that other countries and
people face. In the position of privilege we are in we should use it to help others that aren’t as fortunate,” Schadt said.
He enjoyed learning about what Waterstep does to provide clean drinking water.
“My favorite part was learning about the process of cleaning water and seeing the gadgets they made in order to clean that water. I also liked sorting the shoes and feeling like I was doing something for communities in Africa and around the world,” said Schadt.
The social studies honor society hosted a shoe drive last week in order to prepare for the service event. They organized the shoes that were collected, and plan to continue the shoe drive throughout the year.
Pascal Bashombana, the founder of Congo Connect, works alongside Waterstep in order to provide safe drinking water to communities in Africa. He led the club through their tour, and left them with a powerful message: “Anyone can make a difference”.
