Our Global Travelers really embrace the “service above self” ideal. Periodically, we feature stories about their passion projects. Read more stories here.
My name is Patty Hall. I am the founder of H2Oforlifeschools.org, a member of the White Bear Lake Rotary Club, and an associate member of the Rotary E-Club of Global Travelers. I have supported the water, sanitation and hygiene education water sector (WASH) through both H2O for Life, and White Bear Lake Rotary for many years. My focus is on WASH in Schools worldwide.
As a teacher for over 30 years, I had a passion for engaging youth in service-learning. H2O for Life was founded after a one school project at Highview Middle School in Mounds View, MN in 2007. Our 800 students raised $13,000 for a water project in Kathungu Village, Kenya. As a teacher, I witnessed the impact that this global project had on my Highview students, and the impact their funds provided for Kathugu Village.
Highview Middle School jumped into the fundraising campaign for Katungu with both feet! Classrooms educated youth about the importance of conserving and protecting our water resources.For example, the art classes introduced Kenya art, the music classes included Kenya songs, classrooms brought the water crisis into their classrooms thorugh science, language arts and social studies. We were all about supporting our partner community. Our Service-learning program was student-led by an 8th grade team. Our only caveat was that fund raising activities needed to be inclusive for all students. School dances with $2.00 admission, and a nickel, dime, quarter campaign, a Walk for Water where students asked family and friends for donations and many, many student led activities. It was a magical year. It led to a Readers Digest Story, a Today Show visit to our School, a story on Good Morning American, an appearance for CNN and recently a video shown on PBS NewHour.
I would never have done year two, if there had not been impact on my students- because I’m a Teacher! H2O for Life has engaged more than a million US students in this service-learning program, and has provided WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) for more than 800,000 students worldwide.
Now as a honorary board member of H2O for Life, I continue to support H2O for Life, and have also begun writing District and Global Grants for WASH through Rotary.
Because Rotary E-Club of Global Travelers is worldwide, I want to share an opportunity.
IF YOUR club is working on WASH, please let me know. Engage your local community youth to assist you with fundraising for your District Grant or Global Grant. H2O for Life can help you make that happen. We provide a fundraising site, educational materials and support of the youth club or school program. Let’s engage youth in the wonderful work Rotarians do across the world AND let’s introduce youth to the wonderful world of Rotary.
EVERY PENNY raised by youth would flow directly into your Rotary Doors. Interested? Find me in our club database and contact me!