Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 19, 2007
FORT SIMPSON - Students at Bompas elementary school are practising being good global citizens.
Since October students have engaged in a project to furnish an entire classroom in a developing country with school supplies.
Students took the project on with the goal of raising $600 to will furnish a classroom with desks, chairs, books and necessary supplies and leave a bit left over for some soccer balls, said teacher Lea Lamoureux.
The general donation is $2, but some students bring more.
"You should hear the kids gasp when they bring in bills," said Lamoureux.
Suspense builds until the end of the day when that week's donation amount is revealed on the announcements.
"They're on the edge of their chair," she said.
The students have shown their support for the cause through their donations. On Oct. 23 they started off with $220.79 which grew to $514 by Nov. 6.
Students have been keeping track of their progress using a giant barometer. The school hasn't decided yet if they'll stop at $600, said Lamoureux.
Students are eager to share information about their project.
The students who will get the gift probably have no supplies right now, said Winter Alger.
"It's important because we're being kind and caring," said Katrina Browning.
Browning estimates that they'll reach their fundraising goal next week.
"I hope they enjoy it and like their classroom," she said about the class that will get the supplies.
Students aren't the only ones who have put their support behind the project.
Kiwi Electric donated $200 to the project, a gift that was matched by Wolverine Air.
"I think it's such a great idea," said Pat Waugh with Kiwi Electric.
Waugh said she was inspired by the students to donate. Her own grandchildren have been so excited by the project that they've volunteered to do household chores and donate the money they earn.
Individual residents have also helped. June Pelley, who works at the Nahanni Inn, donated an ice cream pail full of change.
