Let us introduce ourselves!
We are Molly and Keelan, two American students studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. We are currently involved in a Service-Learning program which enables us to study at the University of Cape Town, and to also have amazing opportunities to volunteer within the communities around us. During our time here, we have been working every week at Brooklyn Chest Tuberculosis Hospital, the largest public Tuberculosis hospital in Cape Town.
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During our time at BCH, we work mostly at the school within the hospital. The ages of the students range from Grade R (Kindergarten) to Grade 11. The school has become an awesome environment for the children. They love to get out of the wards that they reside in and to be surrounded by loving teachers and classmates. The students at BCH are such bright and energetic human beings, and sometimes it is hard to remember that they are battling a serious, life-threatening illness. Their passion for learning and growing while at the hospital is undeniable, and their persistence to push through their illness is amazing.
We have been so inspired by these kids, and have developed a special place in our hearts for each and every one of them. We want to do everything in our power to help the school of BCH and to provide them with the tools to improve upon their growing and healing processes even more.
Our Idea: ![bulb]()
To get internet hooked up at the school in order to enhance the learning experiences and commuication for the students.
This is important for the students and teachers at BCH for various reasons. Providing internet access to the school will:
- Connect the students to their families and friends while they are at the hospital
- Provide a new and improved way of learning on the computers through new games, instead of playing games that are not suitable for their ages and are not educational
- Give the teachers new opportunities to educate the students through assignments like research projects, etc.
- Help create and implement a "pen pal" program between the students at Brooklyn Chest and children in hospitals in the United States
We have noticed the large amount of students at the school who do not have easy access to contact their families or loved ones during their hospial stay. Not all of their parents are able to visit on a daily, weekly, or sometimes monthy routine due to various circumstances. This lack of communication can make a child's stay at BCH much harder than we would want. We also believe that connecting these children to other hospitalized kids in different areas of the world will give them something new and exciting to focus on, and if we can implement this program, the kids will be thrilled.
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What We Need:
The main thing that needs to be replaced to gain access to the internet is the server. The school has been provided with all of the other items needed in order to be connected, but replacing the server is the final step.
The server will be around $1,250.00 USD. The money that is not used to purchase the server will be used towards the payment of the computer technician that we have called to help.
Impact:
Accessing the internet within the school will be very beneficial to the students at BCH. These children will have something new to focus on, and to be excited about. They will be exposed to the amazing opportunities for learning and communicating that the internet provides, and will develop computer skills that they otherwise would not have learned.
Ways You Can Help:
DONATIONS! Anything is greatly appreciated. Every dollar counts!
Whether or not you are able to donate, please spread the word to friends, family and coworkers if you support our cause!
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We are determined to reach our goal and to provide these students with new opportunities.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via email:
Molly McAleer - mmcaleer44@gmail.com
Keelan Schoenecker - keelanschoenecker@gmail.com
