Reaching out to South Sudan

This week, we hear from Erica Stackhouse, 17, a junior at West Mecklenburg High. Erica is a part of Mothering Across Continents, an organization that focuses on taking grass-roots ideas and implementing them on a world-wide level.

Students from 10 area high schools are partnering with Charlotte-based MAC and are currently working on “Rasing South Sudan,” an education project to help build/establish schools in South Sudan. Schools held fundraisers such as walks, baseball games and benefit concerts during the year to help fund the project.

Erica on Mothering Across Continents:

Working with MAC has been such a great experience for me. I was inspired just by the fact that I would be making a difference in somewhere that really needed it. Too many people these days take what they have for granted and don't realize how lucky they are.

The most challenging thing about Students Raising South Sudan was, for me, getting the baseball game planned. It took so much energy to make sure everything ran smoothly, but was well worth it!

My motivation for this project was always that I get to help create a better life for kids, but I became EXTREMELY motivated after meeting Lubo and Nathaniel, two of the Lost Boys, and getting to hear their own personal stories of South Sudan and what's going on there. They were truly an inspiration and they touched my heart in a way that they will never understand.

To kids who are hesitant to get involved, always remember to be the change you want to see. The most rewarding thing about this project was knowing that because of our efforts, children in South Sudan will now be able to attend school and have the supplies they need.

The children in America often take education for granted and don't ever stop to think about the fact that there are children around the world that would love to have an ounce of what they have. To be able to provide that for children is just so reassuring, it lets me know that if you really set your mind to something that it can happen.

My motto is to take a leap of faith to get what you want, but remember that a soft landing is never guaranteed.

Contact:
Do you know a Young Achiever? Are you a Young Achiever? Email me at bpenland@charlotteobserver.com.