The youth at Austin’s Paragon Prep Middle School have raised over $8,200 for the children of the Bhatti Mines School! This is a beautiful and inspiring example of youth supporting, empowering and uplifting each other. The students at Paragon Prep Middle School truly exemplify compassion in action. The Amala Foundation is extremely grateful for all the hard work, dedication and love the students at Paragon Prep Middle School have shown for kids half-way across the world. Although they may never physically meet the children of the Bhatti Mines School, there will always be a bond between the two schools, one built on love, compassion and understanding. The Amala Foundation also wants to recognize the efforts of Emily Bolt; we are blessed to have you in our community and appreciate your commitment to impacting the youth of the world. Thank you, Emily.
Here’s what the students of Paragon Prep had to say about their experience raising money for the children of Bhatti Mines:
For the last three years, Paragon Prep Middle School has exchanged art work and letters with the children of the Sri Aurobindo Bhatti Mines School. Art Teacher, Emily Bolt, introduced children to this grassroots school after meeting the founder of the Bhatti Mines School at the Amala Foundation’s Global Youth Peace Summit in Wimberly, Texas.
Paragon Prep is a private college preparatory middle school with a diverse population of students with big hearts. After learning about how Santosh and his wife established the Bhatti Mines School and learning about the challenges faced by the students who attend, Paragon students were inspired to do something: to serve others. Eighth grade student Allison McHorse said that “When Ms. Bolt told us about the Bhatti Mines School I realized that Santosh was the kind of person that I wanted to be…and therefore have a positive effect on the world.”
Exchanging art and letters has been symbiotically enlightening for Paragon and Bhatti Mines students. Yet, students and their teacher felt compelled to make a lasting difference by starting a school fundraiser for the Bhatti Mines School. In one week, the 158 students of Paragon Prep and Primary raised over $8,200 – enough money to keep the Bhatti Mines School running for a whole year! Paragon students could hardly believe their own accomplishment, “who would have though kids in Austin, Texas could help people on the other side of the world!?” said one Paragon student. Students said “this project has given me a feeling of purpose by helping others who need help and just caring for myself.” Paragon students and staff and so grateful to everyone who chipped in to help, it made a huge impact on both groups of students. “The idea that I helped other kids have a better life is the best thing I could ever ask for” said one Paragon Studen
Paragon Prep and the Sri Aurobindo Bhatti Mines School are forever “bound together by love, artwork, and the gift of education” – Sandra Webber, 8th grade.
If you would like to help sponsor a child at the Bhatti Mines School and give them an alternative to child labor, please consider making a donation.
