PALS, Partnership of African and Lansing Schools, is a community based initiative that links Lansing and Kenyan schools. Our mission is to build meaningful relationships with the Mbaka Oromo School community in Kenya through projects and activities that promote dignity, opportunity, and self-sustainability. The 3rd, 6th, and 9th graders in the Lansing School District learn about Africa as part of the Social Studies curriculum. Experienced PALS educators volunteer their time to teachers who would like to include Kenya as part of their lessons. PALS provides curriculum support such as guest speakers, activities, and cultural and science information to teachers who request it. PALS organizers believe that as students in Lansing and Kenya learn about each other, they will learn to appreciate different cultures and tolerate differences in their own culture.
Fundraising through community events have raised over $25,000 dollars. When pooled with money raised in the Fairport school district, these funds have been used to replace 14 mud and dung classrooms with concrete and brick. A library, teacher workroom, and kitchen were built. All the of the classrooms have desks and chairs. The students were given full physical exams and vaccinations and additional medical help where needed. Erosion control measures were instituted to divert rainwater around the new campus and a water catchment system is being built. Land adjacent to the campus was purchased and four high school classrooms were built. In October 2008 the Rotary Club provided funding to bring William Kabbis, the head master of Mbaka Oromo School, to Lansing for two weeks.
If you are interested in joining the PALS team in this work, please contact Maureen Bell (mbell5@twcny.rr.com, 533-7745).
