Ugandan Fundraiser Shows Sebring High Has Big Hearts

It's a common perception that kids -- especially today's kids -- don't care beyond their needs, so it's comforting to see a few actually reach out.

Last November, a group of about 20 Sebring High School freshmen decided they wanted to raise $10,000 for children in Uganda, an African nation caught in the throes of civil war.

It's difficult, even for adults, to care about a faraway nation but these kids have really stepped up to the plate. Raising all that money in a few months is no easy job and so far the students have raised $7,000.

At one point, Sebring High ranked 110th of the 1,046 schools and universities participating in the School for Schools program that is sponsoring this drive. Should the school raise the $10,000 by Feb. 1, four Sebring High students and a teacher will go to Washington, D.C., to meet a Ugandan representative.

Those who know something of Uganda's recent history know how badly the war-torn nation needs help. The United Nations says the conflict in northern Uganda, which pits government troops against a resistance movement, has uprooted 1.6 million people and caused one of the world's most neglected humanitarian disasters.

While the Sebring students are not sure they can raise the remaining money by deadline, they intend to continue until their goal is reached.

As Sebring High teacher Allison Rapp explained, "It's not about us, it's about them."
We salute the school, the teachers and the students who embark on projects such as these. It makes us all better world citizens and brings home just how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, food on our table and our family safe and sound.
We hope other schools encourage their students to embark on such projects. Children who help needy children around the world also grow up to be responsive and sensitive adults.
For those who helped out for this project, it will be comforting to know that every dollar and cents they send will make a priceless difference in the lives of those suffering .
For those who still want to help us, call Sebring High School at 471-5500, and make that donation.