Skyping with Africa!

When Mrs. Yant's Fourth Grade class read a National Geographic Kids article entitled, "Thirsty Planet" last Fall, who knew that it would lead to a fascinating skype discussion with a St. Mary's alum working on a water filtration system in Africa! Shortly after we read the article, I was talking with Mrs. McElroy about her daughter (Rachel) and her daughter's good friend who is working for 10 months in Africa. We realized that Katie Camille Friedman (St. Mary's graduate from 2006) is studying at an Engineering school in W. Africa and specifically trying to help the surrounding communities use local materials to make funnels that filter out impurities and parasites from the water supplies. We contacted Katie through email and on the day that all of St. Mary's participated in the "Sit for Good" on November 30, 2010 (where we role-played that we were students in Uganda), we brainstormed questions that we wanted to ask Katie after her life and work in Africa. This past week (Thursday, Jan. 13) we were finally able to connect with Katie via Skype (see photos below). It was such a wonderful experience to talk with this exemplary graduate of St. Mary's - she is a terrific role model for us all! We hope to continue our relationship throughout this semester and would like to check in with Katie sometime in May. Thank you to Mrs. Lancaster and Mrs. McElroy for making our Skype session so successful! 

P.S.  Katie recently sent me this link about the
water purification program (Potters for Peace)  - click here for more information.