The trip – initially envisioned as a fun adventure – turned out to be life-altering for the CJ seniors. “We realized that we could make a difference and that it’s not as hard as some people think it is,” says Annie.
As part of Catholic Schools Week, which kicks off today, the girls have organized a fundraiser – “Loose Change to Loosen Chains.” They’re asking fellow students to forego soft drinks at lunchtime and to contribute their coins to a fund which will allow Senida and her friend Rhea Coc to attend high school.
“We learned that $500 can send a girl through high school and pay for her uniforms, her books and her education,” explains Kayla.
While living for a week in the village of Cuxlin Ha (“God of the Corn”) with 10 Mayan families, Kayla and Annie realized they could make a difference in the lives of the young villagers with whom they were playing soccer and duck, duck, goose.
Their inspiration for the “Senida Project” is Sr. Dorothy Stang, who was murdered in 2005 for her pursuit of social justice for poor farmers of Brazil.
Susan Eichenauer is the school counselor who accompanied the group to Belize and serves as moderator for the Key Club, the service organization that has taken on the project.
“Their energy is contagious,” said “Miss Eich,” who has watched the two girls mobilize their school community and become dedicated philanthropists. This week, she’ll join Kayla and Annie in Miami, Fla., for a one-day conference where they’ll pick up skills ranging from grant writing and social networking to volunteer recruitment. In June, hopefully with $1,000 in hand, the group will return to Belize to surprise Senida and Rhea with exciting news.
“We can’t wait to give the money to them and see their reaction,” Annie said.
Kayla said she’s learned not to take her schooling for granted.
“Sometimes we don’t want to get up in the morning, or take a test,” she said. “These people would do anything to get an education. It makes such a difference in terms of a successful future.”
Donations to Project Senida can be mailed to: CJ Key Club, 505 S. Ludlow St., Dayton, Ohio, 45402.
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