By Victoria John
Middle School Latin Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” There are children in Africa whose lives are forever changed because of Lakehill students. Charlie Pippen’s desire to help the African students at the Kayengona School in Namibia has altered their future. It touches the same chord as Frank Kapra’s heart-felt classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which tells how one man’s far-reaching impact on a community forever changed the future of each individual whose life he touched.
In 2009 the present 7th grade class sent 11 boxes of school supplies and easy readers to Africa. In addition, Charlie and a classmate asked that in lieu of birthday gifts friends give money for the children in this village. When Charlie and his mother, Patti Pippen, visited the children in the Kayengona School in the summer, 2010, they distributed the supplies and $1100 from Lakehill fundraisers.
At a recent homeroom meeting Mrs. Pippen read excerpts from thank-you letters written by the children. “We are really, really appreciative for what you give. We remember the year you came here and visited and played with us. It was a surprise. We didn’t think that you were going to give us something that we did not see in our lives.”
Another student expressed his appreciation with a poem:
Learn when others are playing,
Prepare when others are laughing,
Dream when others are still working.
Following the trip to Africa, Charlie was so moved by the students’ plight in the school that he wanted to continue to make a difference. Last spring, the 6th grade class sold bracelets and native teas made by the Namibian tribes and wired $1200 to the school for uniforms, school fees, and testing fees for orphans and students who could not afford to attend school. In addition, the Parent Faculty Club collected and donated Lakehill t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothing and sent 15 boxes to the school.
For these gifts an appreciative Namibian student wrote, “I am fifteen years old. I live in a poor family but now you help me pay school fees and buy for me my school uniform.” Another said, “I am an orphan and I am very, very appreciative that you gave us the money and clothes.”
Hearing such gratefulness in the thank-you letters touched the 7th grade Lakehill students. Olivia Wagner comments, “When Mrs. Pippen read us those letters, I felt incredibly proud. It is so amazing to know that you, a 7th grader, could change someone’s life and make them smile out of kindness and caring. They were so thankful. It made me want to help out others who are less fortunate than I and smile in the same way the students in Namibia did!”
“If it makes other people happy, then I’m happy,” says Claire Crow.
Tillie McCoskey writes, “It is so, so, so super important that all children get what books and clothes they need for school and for everyday life.”
The story continues. In February, the 7th grade class plans to continue their support of the African children by selling bracelets, hand-carved wooden animals, gemstones, pendants, and tea. They also will collect gently-used soccer clothing and equipment, as the Kayengona School wants to start a soccer team.
About this project Charlie Pippen writes, “It made me feel good because I know I’m impacting greatly on many children’s lives.” A determined student feels Charlie’s impact. “When I grow up I want to be a doctor because I want to help people who get sick. I give thanks to you. We will not fail you.”
He has even influenced them to follow his example. “When I finish my school I want to help someone else and my parents. I am so very happy to see you buying these gifts.” This letter is signed, “Your friend, Sitekota Egidius.”
The message revealed at the end of the holiday film is that friendship is the most valuable gift of all. Lakehill’s 7th grade class has many new friends in the Kayengona School.
“It’s a Wonderful Life, Lakehill.”