Most rising freshmen spend July sleeping in. J.R. Burton and Ben Ho have a different itinerary.
J.R. Burton and Ben Ho head to Tanzania this July to climb Kilimanjaro and raise funds for a local primary school with urgent needs.
The two Old Greenwich boys leave for Tanzania on July 22 to attempt the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. Ben was inspired from his older brother who did the same hike the previous year, and also raised money for a different school in need. Now it’s Ben and J.R.’s turn as they are climbing alongside their moms, and they are bringing a cause with them.
Before setting foot on the mountain, J.R. and Ben learned about a small primary school near the base of their climb. Kisololi Primary School, located near Arusha, Tanzania, serves 209 students from preschool through grade 7 with just six teachers. Last year, heavy rains significantly damaged the school’s infrastructure, leaving three critical needs unaddressed. These are needs that affect every student, every single day. Sadly, the government has funds to support only one school’s needs every 5 years, which makes it difficult for Kisololi Primary School to get the help it needs.
An example of a student collecting drinking water from a stream.
Current Kitchen facilities, where clean water is needed.
Clean Water
Currently, Kisololi has no access to a safe water source. Students walk to nearby streams to collect water for drinking and cooking, streams that carry a real risk of waterborne illness. Funds raised will go toward clean water storage tanks, giving students and teachers access to safe water year-round. This allows them to cook and drink without having to worry about catching a disease.
Toilet Facilities
When the toilet building was demolished after the flooding, students lost access entirely. They now travel to a neighboring school to use the restroom, a disruption to the school day that also raises real health concerns. Rebuilding dedicated facilities for students and teachers is a top priority, allowing students to maximize learning outside of the school day .
A Perimeter Fence
Without a fence, the school has no defined boundary, making it difficult to monitor students and keep them safe. Recently, there have been cases of attacks on Kisololi primary school, which makes it hard for teachers to monitor 35 kids safely, while ensuring they have a fun time. A perimeter fence would create a secure outdoor space where kids can play and move around freely. J.R. and Ben also plan to bring recreational equipment with them, including soccer balls, netballs, and playground gear, to fill that space once it is secure.
J.R. and Ben begin their Kilimanjaro climb on July 26. In the meantime, they are asking the Greenwich community to join them, not on the mountain, but in making a real difference for 209 students who deserve the basics every child should have.
How to Help
Donate at: gofundme.com/f/climb-for-a-cause-support-kisololi-school-in-tanzania
Every dollar goes directly to clean water, toilet facilities, fencing, and play equipment for 209 students at Kisololi Primary School in Tanzania.