North Platte sixth grader helps students in Kenya

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — A mentoring relationship from TeamMates inspired McDaid sixth grader Ben Hankla to help students in Kenya.

The local optometrist Dr. Kim Baxter has been Ben’s mentor for three years and from this relationship a project in Kenya has been completed and a second is underway.

Baxter has made a number of trips to Kenya for eye clinics and met Alice Atemo, who has started three religious schools there. There are 1,000 students in these schools and boarding houses, nearly half of whom are orphans, Baxter said.

A school and boarding school in Kenya burned to the ground in April, and Ben and his classmates are hoping to raise money to replace textbooks and school supplies.

“We’re doing pretty well here in America, but in Africa they don’t have a lot of resources and (the students in Kenya) need help,” Ben told The North Platte Telegraph. “That’s why Dr. Baxter there for eye care. I just like to help them.”

Two years ago, classmates like Jack Condon, Oliwia Wiezorek, Gianna Pieper and Justin Davies raised nearly $2,000 to buy a new water pump for a school. The students have set themselves a higher goal for the current project.

“We’re trying to raise $3,000,” Ben said.

He was assigned to give a presentation to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and spoke at the four Masses last weekend.

“I talked about what we did two years ago and how we exceeded our goal,” said Ben. “I was talking about Dr. Baxter and I are TeamMates and how the school burned down and how much money we have to raise.”

Baxter said Ben did a great job with his presentation and the church responded in a big way.

“I think we all love to see young people doing good in our world.” Baxter said, “and having a passion for helping people and living out their Christian faith.”

Baxter will embark on his annual eye hospital missionary trip to Shikunga, a village in western Kenya, in February.

A major ongoing project is a hospital being built in Kakamega County. The building will be named the Craig Memorial Rotary Clinic after Baxter’s son, who died six years ago.

The students have made presentations in all three of the area’s Catholic parishes, as well as in the North Platte Catholic Schools. They are also asking for support from all other churches, civic organizations and the community in general.

To support this effort, bring or mail your donation to McDaid Elementary or St. Patrick’s High School before Monday. If you are writing a check, make it payable “North Platte Rotary Club” and write “Kenya School Project” on the item line.

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