#ChoozeToGiveBack : Paper For Water + Chooze
At CHOOZE, it is our mission to empower kids to use their creativity to have a positive impact on the world. We love to celebrate amazing kids who are really using their creativity, confidence, and power to change lives. In this week's feature we are highlighting the work of two young girls, Isabelle (age 10) and Katherine (age 11), who have made it their mission to CHANGE THE WORLD. The girls started Paper For Water, they make Origami ornaments and sell them to raise money to build water wells. In a little over 2 years they have raised over $373,000 and helped fund over 46 wells in Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and India. CHOOZE had the chance to sit down with the girls and get an inside scoop on all the good they've been up to.
Q : What is Paper For Water?
A : It is a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness for clean water through the art of origami.
Q : How did you come up with the idea for Paper For Water, What inspired you to start this project?
A : Our dad is half Japanese, he made Origami when he was little and he taught us how to make it.
Q : How much time do you spend working on a piece of Origami?
A : It varies. During the Christmas season, it’s an hour or two a day. It’s our busiest season. At the beginning of the year, it’s less busy so we fold less.
Q : Have you been to any of the places you are helping?
A : Yes, we went to India last Christmas.
Q : Tell us about what you experienced there...
A : We saw that Paper for Water was really impacting a lot of people. Out in the country, where all the wells are, it’s mostly dirt roads and mud huts. There are acres and acres of different crops. It’s really crowded in the city, but it’s pretty open in the countryside. When you’re driving there are only two lanes, it’s kind of scary because there were no street lights once you’re out of the city.
Q: What is a water well?
A : It’s a hand pump that has a pipe that pumps clean water to the surface. The average person is 20 feet away from the water they need...it’s 20 feet below them.
Q : Why are water wells important?
A : They need water wells because they’re currently drinking from rivers and streams that their cattle drink out of, it’s full of parasites and bacteria that makes them sick.
Q : How do you feel knowing you are changing lives?
A : Really Really Great.
Q : What advice would you give to other children who want to change the world?
A : Anything is possible.
Q : What if they wanted to start up a project like you did?
A : Follow your dreams, you can do anything.
To learn more about how you can give back visit PaperForWater here ➔
www.facebook.com/PaperForWater
Paper For Water - www.youtube.com
www.paperforwater.org