Boy needs operation
Because of money donated at Westside Elementary School, poor mountain villagers in Pakistan were finally able to build their own school. During the past few years, Westside donations included textbooks, pencils, paper, library books, sweaters, caps, coats and mittens for the village of Korphe. Teachers also sent materials for warm school uniforms. Westside’s latest effort is to help pay for the surgery and physical therapy of a 10-year-old Pakistani boy who broke his leg. The boy’s family couldn’t afford a doctor and a severe infection developed, leaving him crippled.
On a recent visit, Greg Mortenson told of the boy’s plight. Mortenson, son of Westside Principal Jerene Mortenson, is project coordinator of the Central Asian Institute, which provides aid for education and health needs.
It was Greg Mortenson that got Westside started on a fundraiser for the Korphe school. The fundraiser, which relies on students dropping off pennies at the school office, is called “Pennies for Pakistan.” “This has been a lot of fun because all the children can afford to bring in pennies and get involved,” Jerene Mortenson said.
Westside students have been dropping off pennies since the start of this school year, even before jars were put out for the latest fundraiser. “By now they’re just used to doing it,” Mortenson said. The goal is to raise $500 by March, when the boy will require several surgeries. His village is more than a day’s drive to Islamabad, where the surgery will take place.
Mortenson said the boy loves school so much he crawls to the girls’ school. It’s too hard for him to reach the boys’ school, which is on the other side of the village.
While Westside students, teachers and other workers have been the main contributors, Mortenson said Pennies for Pakistan is a community affair.
“We’ll be very happy to accept (donations) for anyone,” she said. “It’s important because it’s going to change a life.”
By March whatever is collected will be taken for the boy’s needs by Greg Mortenson. Donations can be made at the school office anytime during school hours. Call 425-1819 for more information.
Copyright (c) 1999 River Falls Journal
