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The third grade classes, at Barry School, are collecting money for the organization Drop in the Bucket.
Drop in the Bucket is an organization that focuses on raising money to bring fresh water to sub-saharan Africa. Although clean water is something people in the United States have regularly available, only half of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has access to clean water. Over 80% of the disease in developing countries is related to poor drinking water and sanitation. 4,500 children die every day from preventable diseases related to a lack of access to clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene.
In order to try to change the water situation, Drop in the Bucket is raising money to drill wells at schools in sub-Saharan Africa. In Africa, more than a quarter of the population spends more than 30 minutes, sometimes up to 6 hours, walking 3.75 miles just to collect enough water for the day. Women and children are mostly responsible for fetching water and caring for the sick (who primarily fall ill due to unclean water). This means that women and children have less time to spend on productive activities, such as going to school or working on a business venture, whereas men and boys can spend their days getting educated and making money. Not offering girls the same schooling opportunities as boys costs less-developed nations $92 billion every year. That means $1 trillion per decade is missed out on in salaries. The wells make it possible for children to go to school and get an education. Education is the most effective way to help move communities out of poverty. To learn more click here.
Third grade students at Barry school will be raising money for Drop in the Bucket by collecting returnable bottles and cans, loose change donations, and selling bracelets made by students. Every morning (8:00 to 8:30 am) students will be in the lobby area collecting donations and selling bracelets.
To continue reading about the efforts of these Cortland students, please click here.
