Access to AN Education

Giving back is extremely important and I encourage all of my juniors to find ways to give back to their community or to find ways to serve others.  This week, I learned that one of my junior tournament players is passionate about helping kids in Tanzania.  Check out his note below and start saving your cans.
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Hello, my name is Nathan Vertes.

I am a junior at Seminole Ridge High School in the Biotech Program. I'm in need of ALUMINUM CANS (beer, soda, water, cat food tins). Four years ago, I started helping my friend Rhonda Barona collect cans out of recycling and trash bins to help Project Zawadi, a charity which helps build and maintain 4 schools in remote areas of Tanzania. We crush the cans and take them to the recycling center for money. It takes a lot of cans since we get about $.50 per pound.

Before Project Zawadi, "schools" in Tanzania had 150 boys writing in the dirt with sticks, with one teacher. The girls had to walk for water all day, and weren't able to attend school. Project Zawadi made it possible for all kids to get an education. Also, recently they laid pipeline to provide the schools and all four villages with running water. Many of the kids walk 5 miles to school and get one meal a day, which comes from the school. The children don't have electricity in their homes and have never had toilets.  We provide the older students with lanterns so they can study at night.

We have a long way to go and you can help by giving me your CANS!! After your Super Bowl watch parties please save your CANS for me. Also, if any student needs community service hours, please help me collect cans! Last year we collected over 4,000 lbs. of cans to donate $2,100.

This year I know we can do better!! I am happy to pick them up at your house or you can bring them to me in Binks Forest Preserve, in Wellington. If you have any questions, please call my Mom, Amy at (248) 921-7882. Please check out our website www.projectzawadi.wix.com/expandinghorizons if you would like more information or would like to donate. There are many ways to help- every child deserves to have their basic needs met and have access to an education.
Thank you!
Nathan Vertes
"TOGETHER WE CAN."