They may only be teenagers but that isn’t stopping a group of students from Westridge School from packing up and traveling around the world with local organization, OneKid One World, to help those in need.
“OneKid OneWorld is dedicated to helping students in impoverished countries get the tools they need for a solid education,” said Josh Bycel, founder of OneKid OneWorld, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization. “I’m confident that this trip will not only be an eye-opening experience for the young women but I hope it also sparks a life-long passion for philanthropic work.”
At the end of March the six high school students will travel to San Salvador, El Salvador. During the seven-day trip the students will split their time between running an after-school program at a local primary school, doing an extreme school makeover at a rural primary school and a participating in a cultural exchange with local high school students.
“These students are very enthusiastic about the purpose and goal of the trip,” said Elizabeth McGregor, Head of Westridge School. “Experiential learning is a critical part of our curriculum so teaming with OneKid OneWorld for this trip was a natural fit.”
Over the past five years, OneKid has raised more than $600,000 with 93% of every dollar going directly to recipient schools. Classrooms have been built, educational materials and teachers’ salaries have been provided. Additionally the organization was able to build six solar-power buildings in Kenya so students are able to study at night.
“When you think about what these students don’t have and what they in need to order to get an education it can be overwhelming. But our goal is to help people realize that every little bit counts. One book, one painted wall, one school at a time,” said Tracy McCubbin, the co-executive director of OneKid OneWorld.
The great work of OneKid has attracted some of Hollywood most recognizable names. Television personality Kristin Cavallari along with Law & Order SUV star, Stephanie March, are the group’s celebrity ambassadors. March also sits on the board of OneKid OneWorld and has participated in several trips overseas.
“OneKid believes every child has a right to education,” said March while on a volunteer trip to El Salvador last October, “And OneKid is here to make sure there are classrooms for them to learn in.”
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| Stephanie March on OKOW trip to El Salvador, 2011 |
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| Kristin Cavallari on OKOW trip to Kenya, 2011 |
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OneKid OneWorld is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the basic needs of learning fundamentals to impoverished communities around the world. Check out the inspiring work: www.onekidoneworld.org
Founded in 1913, Westridge School is an independent day school for college bound girls grades 4-12. Westridge strives to develop young women whose joy in learning, personal ideals, commitment to ethical action, social and environmental responsibility, courage and compassion will lead them to meaningful lives as contributing citizens of the larger world. For more information about the school, visit www.westridge.org.
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