Helping Africa from Afar
Sophomore founds club to help africans in need
September 15, 2016
Netflix club, FISH club, and even LARP club. Clubs most people outside of Cy Woods would never even think of when creating a new organization. At Cy Woods, clubs of all types are offered for every student to take advantage of in their areas of interest. It does not matter if it is saving the planet by promoting environmental friendliness or making blankets for sick kids: there is a club for it. Every year new clubs are created to allow more students to express themselves and find activities with Cy Woods. Adding to the ever growing list of clubs is Helping Africa.
Helping Africa was co-founded by sophomore Catie Orwin and meets every other Monday in Mrs. Hannah’s room, 1667.
“Our goal is to find ways to help those in African countries, so we strive to improve the lives of those struggling in Africa,” Orwin said.
Our goal is to find ways to help those in African countries, so we strive to improve the lives of those struggling in Africa — sophomore Catie Orwin
Oxford Scholarship reports that groups such as Helping Africa have helped improve the standard of living through multiple venues like poverty by providing support despite geographical distances.
“We have some good points with education and the environment along with the health and poverty,” Orwin said. “Those are our main focus.”
Flights to Africa take anywhere from 13 to 24 hours across at least 8,000 miles with at least one stop making it hard to directly help the people, but Orwin has found ways to close the gap.
“In the meetings, we are planning fundraisers to raise money and gather items to try and send to the still developing countries,” Orwin said.
Founding a club takes time to find a sponsor, outline the goals and find people to join, but Orwin hopes that Helping Africa will grow and make a lasting impact.
“I hope the club continues on for years even after my co-founder and I graduate and [continues to] make a difference,” Orwin said.