KO students raise money for Nepal earthquake victims
Over the past month, Keystone Oaks students, led by English as a Second Language teachers Lauren Smathers and Kathy Morrow, have raised more than $1,600 for the victims of two recent earthquakes in Nepal, which have claimed more than 8,500 lives and have officially been declared the deadliest disaster in the country’s history.
Keystone Oaks School District has one of the highest populations of Nepalese students in the region and the natural disasters have had a personal impact on the students, many of whom have family and friends in Kathmandu and surrounding villages. The students, most of whom have been in the United States less than five years, wanted to raise awareness of the devastation to their home country.
“We wanted our fellow students to understand that our country needs help,” said senior Krishna Chhetri. “Nepal is a very poor country and every donation goes a long way. We are very grateful to Keystone Oaks’ students and families for their generosity and support.”
The money raised has been donated to Brothers Brother Foundation and the Rukmini Foundations, both Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organizations. The donations will be used to help with the relief and rebuilding efforts, including providing basic necessities (food, water, medicine, temporary shelters, etc.) for displaced people, clearing damaged homes and planning and construction of new homes.
Students raised the money by holding collections in the middle and high schools and by holding a number of “dress up” days at the District’s three elementary schools.
In addition to the students, ESL teacher Lauren Smathers has a personal connection to Nepal, as she studied there in college and has since visted the country. Her connection to Nepal led her to become involved with the Rukmini Foundation, where she sits on the board of directors. The foundation helps support girls in Nepal with education and health care, but is now focusing on providing options for food and clean water for scholars and their families, and rebuilding homes due to the significant infrastructure damage in the village.
“I think it is awesome that as a school here in the United States, we are coming together to help other students in need on the other side of the world. What a great connection and testament to the generous group of students and families we have here at Keystone Oaks,” Smathers said.