Here is a report from East Woods School, Long Island, NY, a long-standing supporter of ASAP’s School-to-School programme:
Starting in Kindergarten East Woods students are very active in Community Service whether it is to help our local community or those in far off places. The East Woods community has contributed an enormous amount of time and funds for the African Solutions to African Problems School to School Program.
The School To School program began six years ago here at East Woods. Under the leadership of Headmaster Nathaniel Peirce, past parent and ASAP Chairperson Sasha Wade, Community Service Director Madame Tawaji, and parent volunteers, East Woods students organize activities to help support orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa. Much of the support is targeted for school supplies, uniforms, and fees. On Friday afternoons, East Woods offers a ‘School To School’ lunch program for East Woods students who stay after school for ALPS, Science Adventures, and Think Tank. The funds from this after school lunch program go directly to help the South African orphans in ASAP/School To School. For the last three years, the Student Council has devoted all its energy to supporting ASAP for Valentine’s Day, by selling roses and organizing a dance where they welcome students from all the local independent schools. It has been a huge success! In addition, last year a first grader donated all the proceeds of the sale of bracelets that she created with her classmates.
From both continents, students have exchanged letters and pictures in order to keep in touch, and as a result, a strong bond has been established between the two communities. Now, East Woods students are taking on a new challenge, to provide the orphans, at the drop-in centers, with a library.
East Woods School 2010
Thanks, East Woods. Your work makes a huge difference in South Africa!