AQUA CLARA FOUNDATION
…in pursuit of H2OPE




News Item

February 6, 2008


By Marcia Buck
Business Development





Mrs. Sobodosh’s Third Grade Class
Munson Elementary School in Chardon, Ohio


Third Grade Class Interviews Kenyan Margaret Kimosop

February 6, 2008: The third grade class of Mrs. Sobodosh at Munson Elementary School in Chardon, Ohio, interviewed Ms. Margaret Kimosop from Kenya over SKYPE in their classroom today. The children were excited about the event, and asked perceptive and interesting questions. Ms. Kimosop wore her Kenyan dress and elegant head piece to help set the stage, and gave a startling presentation on what it feels like to be a third grade student in Kenya. She talked about the fact that many of them eat corn gruel three times a day, and that a majority do not have snacks and pizza and humburgers and cookies in Eldoret. Margaret talked about the strict discipline of the school, the politeness of the children, the way that they share their pencils and books with three or four other students, and they make their own balls out of sticks and paper and string.

The students then asked questions about what the Kenyans do for fun, what the weather is like, and what holidays they celebrate. Margaret told the students that many of the Kenyan young men are breaking world records in running, and that this is because from the age of 4, when they start school, many of them have to walk or run for miles to get to school. She also mentioned that many children do not use busses to get to school and this surprised the students.

Sharon Van Zeeland made the arrangements for the interview because she has found the program of Aqua Clara compelling, and wanted her son’s class room to share in the excitement. Sharon works for Fairmount Minerals, a partner and supporter of Aqua Clara. This class is now writing pen pal letters to the Talai Academy in Kenya, and is also sending some pencils and bracelets to the students. They hope that they will get letters back and that they can establish new friendships.

Margaret Kimosop is doing her doctorate in Public Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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