KARE AFRIKA CONNECTION

BY KAYLA MARTELL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Third grade students set out to make a global impact this fall. Lower School teachers Renee ChambersLiciaga and Sara Bush made this opportunity possible through Renee’s connections with the Kare Afrika Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda as a longtime member of their volunteer board.

Students first met children from the orphanage virtually to establish a connection. This was a terrific opportunity for them to ask each other questions and offer a few laughs along the way. From there, they became global PenPals, writing each other letters back and forth to continue growing their bonds. As our young Hillers learned more about their international friends they decided to help in an even bigger way.

With guidance and encouragement from their teachers, the students collected musical instruments by donation that were sent to their friends in Uganda. Sixty children of the Kare Afrika Orphanage received hand written letters, rhythm sticks and other small instruments, pencils, paper, stickers and so on in a package sent from Delaware all the way to Kampala. The children of Kare Afrika were overjoyed by the gifts and the opportunity to make music. They sent a video message thanking the Tower Hill community for such a gift!

Curiosity became the banner of this project, according to Chambers-Liciaga as she noted how eager her students were to learn about their PenPals across the world. They heard stories of what life is like for their new friends in Kampala, Uganda and shared stories of their own. A global exchange for this age is unique and something that will continue to make a lasting impact on our third grade students according to Bush.

Music is a fundamental part of life for the children of the Kare Afrika Orphanage. It is a profound form of self expression for them and a way to connect with their heritage, cultural traditions and celebrations.