African Carnival buys books for Benin school

By CARMEN HOULE
Special to the WCR
Edmonton

The intercom came on and African music echoed through the halls and classrooms. From my station in the school, I could hear them coming.

African Carnival day had begun.

The students at Ecole Father Leo Green Elementary School in Edmonton's northeast end were a little more than excited May 19, when the school held its second annual carnival to raise money for children in Africa.

We chose an African theme because the students sponsor a child from Benin. Money is raised throughout the year by our monthly hot lunches to pay for sponsorship, but last year we took things a step further to help more than just one child.

Profits of over $500 were donated, through Foster Parents Plan, to help children in need of basic necessities. This year's profits of $550 will buy textbooks for a school classroom.

At carnival day the students are educated about African culture through games, crafts and foods. They carry "passports" with them as they move from station to station and, after completion of an activity, get their book stamped.

It is an exciting time for the kids, and they are full of compliments and smiles throughout the day. They're learning and having fun. Some have even said it is the best day of their life.

With a Spanish bilingual program at starting at our school next year, we may change the carnival theme to South America so students can continue learning about children less fortunate than themselves throughout the world. It helps them realize how blessed we are to live in Canada.

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