Four Glen Tay Public School students were given special awards last month in recognition for their work in helping 11 Guatemalan students afford tuition.
Emelia Bowie-Buffan, Kara Cameron, Kate Thornton, and Lili Strong were presented with special certificates as “Global Changemakers” from the Ontario Council for International Cooperation at a school assembly on Wednesday, Dec. 19.
“I am not sure if you are aware of the contribution that these four young ladies have made to kids in other countries,” said Keith Walker, a retired teacher who volunteers with the local chapter of the Guatemala Stove Project. “You know that Christmas is the season of giving? (Well) you should all take a moment on Christmas Day to think about children in other countries who have nothing. These young ladies have made a very important contribution to 11 children in Guatemala,” specifically, in the towns of Cantel and Ghuicatama, raising more than $3,000 to help keep 11 kids in class.
“Otherwise, they would not be able to go to school beyond Grade 6,” said Walker. “And we all know what happens to people who do not get an education.”
Principal Stephen Ferguson also commended his students for their hard work.
“You have made this possible,” said Ferguson. “These girls have made this possible, working on it for two years. I am extremely proud of you for your hard work on this.”