Thanks to the Chikumbuso project, which was founded by North Stonington resident and Rotary Club of the Stoningtons member Linda Wilkinson, these two very handsome and very smart young men were able to attend school in Zambia and last year came to the U.S., finishing their high school education at Wheeler School and St. Bernard. In the fall, on full scholarship, they will attend Three Rivers Community College in Norwich. The Rotary Club of Westerly was very excited and proud to have these two young men visit our Club and tell their story. They are living with the family of Sabrina Buehler who is also a member of the Rotary Club of the Stoningtons and Chikumbuso.
Both young men come from a poor area of Ng'ombe. Most homes don't have running water or electricity. A "working" family earns about $70 or less per month and only about 25% of children are able to attend school Teddy told Ryan Blessing of the Westerly Sun, "Receiving an education opened doors to me. I could be something different." And they now can set their goals high - Aaron wants to become an eye surgeon and Teddy hopes to practice law.
For children able to attend school at Chikumbuso, the cost is $600 per year - $450 is for education and uniforms, $150 provides food to the family.
.jpg)
