Hi everyone! My name is Santiago Kelly. I am an eighth grade student at Harvard Westlake Middle School. Not long ago, I was afforded the opportunity to visit Africa. While there, I spent time in Mafalala, a small barrio in Maputo, Mozambique.  Although Mafalala is rich in culture and cultural heritage, it is poor in resources and adequate infrastructure. For more information on the history of Mafalala, please visit wwurbimedge/130625w.urb.im/blog/ .


I met some beautiful children in Mafalala. They were vibrant, friendly and eager. Although they attend school daily, the condition of the school is quite dismal. Scantly furnished classrooms surrounded by window frames with no glass. Scarce learning materials. Dirt on the playground and nothing more. The image that touched me the most is witnessing several children playing in an old, broken down car... because that is all they have.


I have thought about the children of Mafalala often since my return to the U.S. I am fully aware of how fortunate I am to have access to quality education. I believe all children should have the opportunity to study and grow in a safe environment that is condusive to learning. The children of Mafalala deserve this!


I am partnering with an abassador of the Mafalala community to raise awareness and, more importantly, FUNDS to improve the condition of the school for the children. The funds raised will be used the following:

1. WINDOWS for the classrooms (extreme winds, rain and other weather conditions)
2. Mozambican BOOKS (there are not enough books for all the children)
3. CHAIRS  (the children often sit on the dirt floor) 
4. OUTDOOR PLAY EQUIPMENT

I am passionate about raising enough money to assist in the improvement for Mafalala school and encouraging a safe, standard educational environment.Please join me in helping this  underprivileged community. You can make a difference. You can change a life. 
 

Any donation is deeply appreciated!