Students' pottery helps WWTP student finish school

By Matthew Ryan, Rockhurst High School student and RHS Justice League member

When visiting the Walk with the Poor Web site, it becomes very evident that so many people need help in this world. The poverty, malnourishment and oppression of so many of my fellow brothers and sisters lead to sadness and grief. CFCA believes one of the best ways to counter these problems is through education. They understand that education is the root of most successes, and education plants a seed of hope. Without education, there is very little one can accomplish. With it, endless opportunities exist. Those opportunities and hopes can be witnessed in the eyes of every student sponsored by CFCA.

The Justice League at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo., believes in the message of CFCA. As a Justice League member, I am proud to say that we sponsored a child, Peter, from Kenya. Peter lives in extreme poverty, but with the strength and will of a handful of teenagers, we are able to support Peter and help him overcome his difficulties. We understand that the dignity of God is in all people. Peter deserves just as many opportunities as we have been given.

We raise our money for Peter through fair-trade coffee. Almost weekly, the Justice League serves fair trade coffee in the commons to all students. We accept donations. The money raised goes on to fund Peter. For two days before Christmas Break, we conduct a Fair Trade Fair. Under the motto “Christmas with a Conscience,” we invite local fair-trade stores to set up tables in the commons, where students can come and purchase their Christmas presents. The fair is a smashing success. This year, some of our fellow classmates were kind enough to sell their handmade pottery. With the proceeds, we were able to sponsor Aileen, a student from the Philippines.

Our mission is simple, and so is our means of accomplishing it. We wish to help one child at a time. We wish to give Peter and Aileen an opportunity to succeed, and we, like CFCA, believe that opportunity is through the hope of education. We do it by selling coffee and pottery. Yes, the poverty in this world is complex and difficult to overcome, but by simple means we are able to take one step in the right direction.


Ed. note: The Fair Trade Fair was held Dec. 9-10, 2008 at Rockhurst High School.
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Guatemalans celebrate Christmas with tamales and Las Posadas

One benefit that comes from helping a student in a developing country is the opportunity to learn about his or her culture. In other countries, the Christmas season includes many fun and interesting cultural traditions.

For example, in Guatemala, neighbors get together every night from Dec. 16- 24 and celebrate Las Posadas, a candlelit procession commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. At the end of the evening, they enjoy tamales and fruit punch. Everyone—mothers, fathers, teens and children—plays a role in the celebration.

The following video shows sponsored members and their families from Santa Teresita, Guatemala, making tamales and celebrating Las Posadas.




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