Over the past school year, students at William B. Ward Elementary School in New Rochelle have been working to raise money to help build water wells in the drought-stricken Kibwezi region of Kenya, Africa. Through the “Wells of Love and Hope” project, a partnership with the United Nations NGO International Public Policy Institute and Solace Self Help Group, students have been selling bottles of spring water to drive home the point of the need for fresh water in the region.

Apparently, the people in the region live over an aquifer but can not afford the estimated $3,500 it costs to dig a well. Most residents earn $1 a day, according to school material seeking donations and help publicizing the project.

To raise more money, students will hold a special cook-out at the Ward school, 311 Broadfield Rd., from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 21. The event will feature South African and American dishes. The cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12.

You can also contribute by buying bottled water and snacks before and after school or making a tax-deductible donation by check payable to:

Ward School Project Peace
c/o Irene Kabot
William B. Ward Elementary School
311 Broadfield Rd.
New Rochelle, NY 10804

For more information, contact Irene Kabot at IKabot@nred.org or (914) 576-4483.