Press Release from Erin Baumgartel

In a heartwarming display of kindness and determination, 6th-grade students from Deep River Elementary School have proven that a small group can have a big impact. With their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, these young philanthropists have raised over $7,600 to bring clean, life-giving water to the Akwondongi village in Uganda.

It all started with a classroom discussion about global issues. Students were alarmed to learn that many people in Africa, including Uganda, do not have access to clean water. Currently, 84% of people in Uganda fall into that category.

In rural communities across Uganda, families are often compelled to send their children on long, arduous treks to fetch water from distant wells or rivers. These journeys, on average, are 3.7 miles round trip. As a result, valuable hours that could be spent in school are instead spent on exhausting journeys to meet the most basic of needs.

“The water they come back with is often muddy and disease-ridden,” said 6th-grader Brayden Palumbo.

Inspired by stories of children their age facing challenges accessing clean water and their teacher’s own experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda, the students decided to take action.

"Our education is so important to us, and we wanted to help other kids have the same opportunities we do," said Emily Richards, one of the students involved in the initiative. "No child should have to choose between going to school and fetching water."

Under the guidance of their teachers and in collaboration with the PTO and local non-profit, Call to Care Uganda, students organized various fundraising events, including a bake sale, car wash, and selling handmade bracelets and pom-poms. They spread awareness of the water crisis by reading children’s books to the younger grades and talking to family and friends about it every chance they got. Their dedication and enthusiasm were contagious, inspiring parents, teachers, families, and fellow students to join in their efforts. They even received donations on their GoFundMe from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

The hard work of the students paid off as they successfully raised more than enough funds to sponsor the construction of a well in Uganda. This well will provide clean, safe water to hundreds of people, significantly improving their quality of life and health, in addition to putting children back in classrooms, learning and dreaming of brighter futures.

“I feel like a hero knowing I made a difference in the lives of others,” said Lillie Farrell. "Knowing that we're making a difference in the lives of others is the best feeling in the world."

Ms. Baumgartel commended the students for their initiative.

“As a teacher, one of my goals is to cultivate empathy and a shared sense of humanity, so that students might leave my classroom as informed, compassionate, and responsible members of a global community,” Baumgartel said. “This group totally blew me away with their efforts. I am so proud of them.”