Sandy Hook School 4th Graders Walk for Water

Fourth graders at Sandy Hook School are tackling a major global issue - the world's water crisis. Over the past few months, students have been learning about the need for clean water and sanitation in third world countries. They also have discussed how hard life is for those who live in communities where they have to walk a long distance to retrieve water.

On Friday, May 4, these fourth graders will participate in a walk-a-thon to raise awareness for the world's water crisis. During the walk, students will carry backpacks filled with canned goods to mimic the real life experience of many in third world countries. The canned goods will then be donated to the Faith Food Pantry.

Also at the walk-a-thon, students will raise funds through pledges and the sale of "Water Is Life" wristbands to benefit the Kiplelgutik Primary School in Kenya. This school's only source of water is a river 2.5 kilometers away, and they have no purification system. Sandy Hook School students are hoping to raise enough money for the Kiplelgutik school to be able to build its own water catchment system, water purification system and new latrines, and to incorporate hygiene education into its curriculum.

At Newtown's recent Earth Day celebration, Sandy Hook School fourth graders and teachers were educating attendees about the water crisis and collecting donations. The group raised $563 toward their goal of $5,000.