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RIVER VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN BURA, KENYA
For several years, the River Valley Charter School in Newburyport has had a relationship with the Bura Primary School in Newburyport’s Sister City, Bura, Kenya. RVCS students have benefitted from the knowledge that the exchange has brought to them, as members of the sister city organization and three teachers from Bura have visited the school to talk about Kenya, the Bura community and schools.
RVCS students learned that while primary school in Kenya is free, some students, especially those who are orphans, are unable to purchase the $25 uniforms and so are unable to attend school. The RVCS students decided they could help. In 2016, they sold drawings and paintings they had created at an art show held at Café di Siena in downtown Newburyport, with proceeds donated to the uniform project. In 2017, they collected several suitcases full of school supplies which accompanied a team of 4 GNBA members who went to Bura. Miguel Nye, an RVCS student whose mother, Katie Nye, is a member of the Greater Newburyport/Bura Alliance, Newburyport’s sister city organization, has had the opportunity to travel to Bura twice to visit the school and plant trees that his RVCS classmates purchased. He brought school supplies donated by his classmates, shared videos made by RVCS students, and returned with letters from Bura Primary students introducing themselves and telling about their lives.
This month, students are holding a craft sale at the school, with proceeds to go to GNBA’s education programs. The holiday sale which is for River Valley students and their families will include student made crafts such as pottery and jewelry, as well as drawings and paintings.
RVCS first to third graders have created a poster soliciting donations to the Bura project. It reads: “Children helping children – Our children are raising money to help children in Bura, Kenya. Please help us help them. Cash or checks made out to the Greater Newburyport/Bura Alliance only –Drop off or mail to Colleen and Emily’s classroom, River Valley School, 2 Perry Way, Newburyport, MA 01950.”
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