WEAC

WEAC

April 23, 1997

‘Pennies for Pakistan’ Wins Humanitarian Award

A River Falls elementary school’s efforts to help an impoverished Pakistan village have won a humanitarian award from the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Students and staff at Westside Elementary School won the 1997 Richard J. Lewandowski Memorial Award for Humanitarian Activities for its ‘Pennies for Pakistan’ project.

'Pennies for Pakistan’ collected thousands of pennies for the village of Korphe to build its first school and a bridge for students to reach the school.

‘Pennies for Pakistan’ is an ongoing project. Students and staff continue to collect pennies for “their school.” This year’s funds will help buy school supplies and fabric for school uniforms.

In appreciation for Westside’s dedication, the new school was named “Korphe/Westside.” Students from both schools correspond and learn about their cultures.

In addition to fundraising, Westside staff members collect clothing and school supplies to send to Korphe.

“We congratulate every staff member and student who participated in ‘Pennies for Pakistan’ and helped children get an education,” WEAC President Terry Craney said. “This project is a shining example of humanitarianism at its best. Students and staff are helping people on the other side of the world with education, food and clothing: something most of us take for granted.”

http://www.weac.org/aboutwea/ra97/pennies.htm