Pennsylvania students help Africa's poorest children

Kibera, just a few miles from the skyscrapers of Nairobi, Kenya, is the largest slum in Africa.  Most residents earn less than $1/day. Assault and rape are common. Clean water and electricity are scarce, and many families cannot afford education for their children, pictured here.

Recently (as reported in the Hawley News-Eagle) a class of students at Wallenpaupack Area High School in northeastern Pennsylvania "visited" an elementary school classroom in the Kibera Slum via Skype. The American students were impressed by (1) how little the slum children have, and (2) how grateful they are for what they do have. The class was inspired to collect and send 20 backpacks to kids at the elementary school. Each backpack will contain crayons, a luxury in the slum, and a personalized letter.   To "visit" the Kibera Slum for just five minutes, simply click this link. vimeo.com/80863473   After seeing the slum first-hand, you may wish to support Wallenpaupack students with a donation. The class hopes to collect backpacks by June 16, but contributions will be accepted through June 30. To learn more, email Colleen Connors at connorco@wallenpaupack.org.