Kelowna Students Rally to Build School in Ghana

Local students from Kelowna Secondary School are starting an initiative to build a school in Ghana and they need help from the community. Spearheading the project are students Payton Berrigan and Nicole Johnston. The two young women are Kelowna ambassadors for the KSS Me to We Club, who work along side non-profit organization Free the Children to raise funds for a variety of local and global causes.

Their current project centres around the importance of education. Education has the ability to shape the lives of children and help those children living in poverty have a chance at a sustainable future.

Caption: Ghanaian School Children (Credit: Free the Children website).

“As students, we understand the value of education and the life-changing qualities that it holds, especially in developing countries. Our club aims at helping children around the world realize their potential,” said Me to We ambassadors.

In an interview with Berrigan, she commented on our Western mentality towards education saying that most of us take it for granted. “We don't realize how much we actually need education in our lives.”

Turning their privileged education towards those who need it most, Berrigan said that Kelowna Secondary School would like to give all children the opportunity to a sound education.

“It's hard for [children] to have a promising sustainable future without education,” added Berrigan.

Kelowna Secondary School will embark on their philanthropic journey of building a sustainable future for Ghanaian children in need, but they need your help.

The Kelowna Secondary School Me to We Club will be hosting a coffeehouse event on December 12th from 6:00 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Kelowna Secondary School, 1079 Raymer Avenue.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or by emailing either Berrigan and Johnston at kssmetowe@gmail.com. The event will feature a variety of local musicians, as well as showcase local artwork. Food and refreshments will be available by donation and jewelry will be available for purchase. All proceeds garnered from the event will go directly to the school building fund.

“Our goal is to show our community that change can be created by people of all ages, social statuses and skill-sets,” said Me to We ambassadors.

There next venture will be a little more local. The Vernon Food Bank is currently in need of a new home and the Me to We Club from Kelowna Secondary School are hoping to put their next philanthropic efforts towards that cause.