On the 24-hour plane ride returning home from a summer trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, senior Adam Whitfield had an inspiration. After spending two weeks working with Hope Enterprise, a non-profit organization that helps communities become economically independent, and helping feed 600 people a day for less than 10 cents per person, Whitfield was moved.
"The people we were feeding were street kids and a lot of them were orphans," Whitfield said. People were going around wearing the same clothes they’ve been wearing for years. It was so hard to see."
He wanted to do something at home that would have a tangible effect and give aid in far-off Africa.
"Their way of life in Africa is so much different, they go through so much hardship but at the same time are so happy," Whitfield said.
True to his word, Whitfield’s inspiration was present during Club Day at Paly. The Action in Africa table was set up, sporting a canopy and complete with African music. With 154 sign ups, 60 attendees at the first meeting, and a steady number of 45 members returning , the future of the Action in Africa club was looking good.
"We have a lot of good committee members and ideas for gaining publicity," Whitfield said. "Everyone has a lot of insight and great ideas. Our group of leaders have a really good sense of advertising to the PALY community and the Bay Area."
Vice president, senior Tyler Shambora admits that Whitfield is more the face of the club while he is the base of the club in charge of the numbers.
"My role is more of a background role, taking care of logistics and dealing with the upkeep of the club," Shambora said. "I wanted to do something useful with my time and this was a perfect oppertunity. I enjoy having the responsibilty and knowing that something’s wellbeing [the club] depends on me."
The main goal of the club is to raise $10,000 through various fundraisers by the end of the year. An upcoming art sale features handmade pens and cards made by artists in Mozambique. After proceeds are paid to artists, the rest of money will be donated to Hope Enterprise to help Africa . The entire club votes on each charity, so potentially every fundraiser could be for a different charity.
Action in Africa is also trying to organize open seminars to the Palo Alto public with special guest speakers to talk about the different issues in Africa.
"People are really interested in helping the cause. It helps us generate ideas of what we can do to get our point across." Whitfield said. "It was easy to get people interested, but its hard to get people to stay involved. We are trying to get students to step out of the ‘ Palo Alto box’ and take a look at what is going on in the world."
A long term goal Whitfield and the club want to eventually reach is to become so large as to form a non-profit organization to help the pressing issues of Africa . The club has many contacts around the Bay Area who were so interested in helping that they contacted the club first instead of vice-versa.
"We’re getting a lot of connections throughout the Bay Area through our leaders," Whitfield said.
Action in Africa is collaborating with Castilleja School to plan a charity concert for Darfur. On Jan 19, the two schools will host bands, sell CDs, and then donate the money to Darfur. Whitfield and Shambora are also planning a dance with other Bay Area schools later in the year to help the cause as well as a carwash to raise money.
"Action in Africa provides students and the community with the chance to impact our world, " Whitfield said.
The Action in Africa Club wants to raise awareness about the seriousness of Africa and the uncertain future of its impact on the world.
"People shouldn’t fear the unknown, and they shouldn’t ignore it either." Whitfield said.