For most Newfoundlanders, mosquitoes are just a nuisance.
For children in Africa, the biting insects can be deadly.
Students at Grandy's River Academy in Burnt Islands recently learned about the threat of malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes in tropical climates. A group of 20 students from grades 5 to 12 decided to do something about it.
By going door to door between May 18 and June 2 in Burnt Islands and Rose Blanche, the students raised $760, or enough to purchase 108 bed nets.
Teacher Brenda Roberts said people in the Codroy Valley and Port aux Basques also contributed to that total. The money will be sent to the Canadian Red Cross specifically for bed nets.
The nets are then given to children in Africa. They provide a mosquito-free zone during the night so children can sleep soundly, without worrying about being bitten.
Grade 5 student Chase Upwards was amazed to learn how deadly malaria is, and how easy it is to prevent.
"I said, 'oh my gosh, these people are dying. We have to help them out fast.'"
He raised $55 in just one day after school.
Grade 6 student Kelsie Walters said her friends and neighbours gave generously when she went door-to-door.
"I just wanted to do it because you're helping people," she said.
Mrs. Roberts said the students demonstrated wonderful stewardship and citizen values. By going door-to-door, students raised awareness of the disease with others in their communities who might not have been aware of it.
Those who participated were rewarded with a lunchtime social at the school on June 8.
reporter@gulfnews.ca
Grandy's students help combat malaria in Africa
Among the 20 students who raised money to buy mosquito nets for African children were, back from left, Justin Stone, A.J. Keeping, Alex Keeping, Irma Keeping, Michael Branton, Cody Chaulk and Michelle Farrell; middle, Michael King, Chelsea Bryan, Gina Kin
For most Newfoundlanders, mosquitoes are just a nuisance.
For children in Africa, the biting insects can be deadly.
Students at Grandy's River Academy in Burnt Islands recently learned about the threat of malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes in tropical climates. A group of 20 students from grades 5 to 12 decided to do something about it.
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