In Northampton, Massachusetts, sixth graders from JFK Middle School are walking laps around their school as part of a fundraiser to support Water for South Sudan, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to clean drinking water in the African nation. The event is tied to the school's Africa unit in social studies, where students learn about the challenges faced by South Sudanese people through the book “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park.

During this walkathon, students secure pledges from family and friends who donate based on the number of laps completed. Each student typically walks about 20 laps. The activity not only raises funds but also educates students about global water issues and the importance of resource conservation. They calculate their own water footprints in their math classes to understand personal water usage.

Will Bangs, a social studies teacher at the school, explained that the fundraiser supports the drilling of wells in rural South Sudan, enhancing community access to potable water. This initiative also enables young girls to attend school instead of spending their days fetching water. The profound impact of the program resonates with the students, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy.

Since its inception three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has raised over $10,000 for the nonprofit. These funds recently culminated in the drilling of a well in South Sudan, a project delayed not only by funding challenges but also by the need to ensure safe conditions for workers amid ongoing local conflicts.

The initiative underscores the critical role of education in shaping young minds to recognize and address global challenges, empowering them to contribute positively to the world. As one student, Georgia Dejasu, aptly put it, participating in the walkathon is about "trying to make the world better" by assisting those who lack essential resources.