J A M E S M A S T R I A L O U D O U N C O U N T Y, V I R G I N I A C O M M U N I T Y

S E RV I C E P R O J E C T

Walking For Water

What is Walking for Water?

Walking for water is a teen-based organization throughout Loudoun County Public Schools. Teens raise money to build wells in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Throughout the year high school students plan and execute a “walk” held in May of each year at Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg Virginia. The club was started by sophomore, Kristen Karinshak in 2004. Kristen got the idea after Sobonfu Some talked to the students of Heritage High School in Leesburg, Virginia about the struggles of African women as they walk up to 6 hours a day to get clean water.

What has Walking for Water Accomplished?

In the first year, the students of Loudoun County Public Schools put in five wells. Today, Walking for water has raised over $150,ooo for the people of Burkina Faso. That has allowed for Wisdom Spring Inc. to put in 22 wells to provide clean sustainable sources of water. Each well serves about 1,000 people. The wells keep the people of Burkina Faso from drinking from remaining water sources that often carry disease. Walking for Water has branched off to create Educate a Child. During the holiday season Loudoun County teens raise and collect money to send the children of West Africa to school.

My Involvement

Kristen Karinshak, the creator of Walking for Water, and Susan Hough, the adult advisor of the club, were my neighbors. I got involved in the club in middle school with Susan’s son, Branner. We would go door to door to ask for donations and loved the feeling of giving back. By the time I reached high school, I was ready to do more. I became a leader in the club and eventually brought the club to Tuscarora High School when I transferred schools. With Kristen’s help, I made Tuscarora the main school for the club Walking for Water. In the first year of Tuscarora’s existence, our club had more members and raised more money than the other schools in Loudoun County. I continued my work with Walking for Water throughout high school and look forward to helping out when I go back home in May.

Sobonfu Some