Kits for Colombia

Last month, students from HL1 Spanish Classes at West, had the opportunity to listen to a presentation from Entrepreneur and Community advocate Valentina Lapeira.  

Valentina is a former student of Ms. Melissa Rais when she was teaching back in Colombia.

Now, “Vale” as her friends and family call her, is an active person in her community in the coastal town of Barranquilla where she spends her days fundraising for underprivileged communities, and children who are suffering from various illnesses or living in poverty.

Students from Ms. Rais’ HL1 Spanish class, listened to, learned from and interviewed Valentina regarding a number of issues. One of those, was the reality that many impoverished communities in her hometown face: a lack of school supplies and resources for children, and this has worsened due to the pandemic.

After Vale’s presentation, Ms. Rais mentioned that working with her might present a great CAS opportunity and a unique chance to use Spanish in real-life applications.

With this in mind, Juniors Charlotte Hagerty, Jocelyn Hurrie, Ally Fetterman, Sofia Govoni-Reyes  and Michelle Tellez  got right to work. 

The initiative of raising funds for these children with their campaign Kits for Colombia has already surpassed its original goal. The unique and practical tote bag that the girls sold online, features a photograph taken by Michelle Tellez during a visit to her family in Colombia.

The group has done a fantastic job in promoting the tote and their initiative through social media.

Congratulations girls for continuing Valentina’s mission and bringing many kids in Barranquilla, Colombia a variety of school supplies and learning resources!