Every 15 seconds a child dies from water related diseases. This happens mostly in impoverished countries with either no water purification systems in the villages or villages where water has been taken over by for-profit companies. As a student organization we want to raise awareness and funds to bring UV water purification systems to these villages.

I started this school year on a warm, sunny day in Southern California. On Galveston Island, off the coast of Texas just 3 states away, there was no school to go to; it was in the process of being torn apart by one of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the USA, Hurricane Ike. The hurricane took the lives of hundreds, left thousands homeless, and caused $30 billion in damages.

street boys and girl in southern Sudan

With 87% of the 40,000 children living at or near the poverty level, students in Oklahoma City Public Schools are faced with many challenges from an early age: violence, family instability and emotional problems. The impact of these hardships often extends into the classroom, where teachers must help students overcome these barriers to success. Yet, even in such harsh realities, the right tools and opportunities can inspire students to embrace lifelong learning.

A major problem in the city of Rochester is that people can’t afford glasses. 73% of people are poor in the city of Rochester and can’t afford glasses. Prescription glasses can cost more than $300 a pair! Some people live their lives not being able to see, but they deserve to. Kids in schools are unable to see the chalkboard or read their homework that’s posted on the bulletin board. They want to succeed, but they just can’t see the board or read their homework. What if someone’s in the car and can’t read a sign or tell when the light turned red.