BY STEPHANIE KUHN
Sometimes Learning Requires Linking Hands.
This was the case recently for a community in the region of Salales, El Sauce which is in Nicaragua.
Above and below are the sixth-grade students at the Honeoye Falls-Lima Middle School. The photo was taken in the Middle School cafeteria just after the class’ lunch period on Friday, April 7. The sixth-graders donated the most of any of the three classes at the Middle School to the Linking Hands for Learning fundraiser recently. Photos by Donna MacKenzie
Honeoye Falls-Lima Middle School participated in a fund raising event sponsoring the Linking Hands For Learning Organization in their effort to raise money supporting the construction of a school in another country.
Being kind to others is a strength of many HFL students as they journey through their young adult life recognizing need in others and seeing that they can really help. All of this starts at home and in the community with the belief that one can have a positive influence on the life experience of others.
How does this belief grow? Initially, one must let go of those limiting mental stories, embrace change and think of the world around you. This may sound simple. However, some days it takes a bit of extra effort to think globally, as we know. All of the Honeoye Falls – Lima students and staff who participated in the Linking Hands for Learning fundraiser last month did just this… believed in the power of their positive influence and took action. With the help of PTA, parents came in and supported the lunch sets by being available to accept donations too !
Students stepped out of their typical routine and believed that change was possible. Realizing that education in Nicaragua takes place in a one room school house, our students got involved to ensure those school houses are securely made of bricks and not simply mud which poses a danger. Also, donating books and supplies sends a global message devoted to literacy and understanding of others who have slightly different circumstances but are essentially the same as us. From a diversity perspective, young people everywhere share a universal desire to learn.
Supported by teachers Rob Sanford and Holley Zenns, the 6th grade class embraced the challenge to donate more money than grades 7 and 8 for the building of a school in a small community in Nicaragua called Taquezal. Initially, excitement grew slowly until these two teachers sparked the torch and created a fun rivalry compelling the students to donate to the worthy cause which is close to the hearts of both Mr. Sanford and Mrs. Zenns. Both teachers have participated in the building projects previously and continue to support the ongoing Linking Hands For Learning projects. Having participated twice myself, I can only add that it is a thoroughly enriching life experience that I was able to share with two of my own children.
Participants share in fund raising in order to support the building costs associated with the school. However, each volunteer pays their own way. A trip to Nicaragua is a mix of volunteer work and an economics lesson as one is able to see how the infrastructure of these communities is impacted over time with annual support which sustains their community and town development.
Change is one thing that is certain. Change can offer you a little added joy and an extra reason to smile. Thank you to all the students, parents and staff that donated their “change” to our recent fundraiser. Honeoye Falls-Lima sixth graders along with grades seven and eight earned over three hundred dollars during their week of giving.
For additional information please visit: https://linkinghandsforlearning.com.
Linking Hands For Learning is a not-for-profit organization that supports school construction efforts in developing countries. Since 2011, the group has raised funds to help support the construction of eight schools in the country of Nicaragua. All money raised by the group is dedicated towards the construction effort. Money raised is used to hire masons, purchase building materials, school equipment, and supplies for children. The group also helps to facilitate volunteer travel to Nicaragua to assist with construction. We work closely with an organization called, The Enlace Project, to coordinate efforts in Nicaragua.
