Askia School Fundraiser

My name is Thineth Ariyaratne, a grade 12 student of Deer Lake School in Burnaby. Growing up, I would often hear stories from my dad, who works for a United Nations mission in Mali, about the arduous plight of the Malian kids. Their childhoods were vastly different from my own, where surviving was a victory in itself, and where going to school was among the greatest privileges and desires of every child there. I remember feeling helpless as to how I could help them, understanding that my life here in Canada was a blessed one and that I had a responsibility to aid those less fortunate, like the children I was hearing about in Mali.

 Askia Private School is a school in Gao, Mali. They were greatly affected by the jihadist terrorist movement that had been occupying their region for the past several years. During that time, the jihadists took over the school and used the tables and chairs for firewood. Hence, once they left the region, the school was left in a pitiful state, devoid of tables and chairs and lacking the necessary resources to rebuild and renovate. To make matters worse, COVID-19 and the rainy season have also been incredibly destructive, leaving the school and its families in dire straits. Most of the students come from poor families and are unable to afford the school fees. Askia Private School does what it can to ensure that the greatest number of students can stay enrolled. However, the added cost of replacing their tables and chairs has proven to be quite burdensome. In addition, the children would love to have more science-related books, which are in short supply. 

As such, my brother Siyath and I have been motivated to start a donation campaign for Askia School and their deserving students. Our aim is to raise $5,000 by December 31st, 2020, and to donate 100 desks and chairs for the new school year starting in January 2021 (the cost per table and chair is $50). We will also be sending the collection of donated science books to the school to be used during the 2021 school year.

 Your kind donation is highly appreciated. During this time where the need has been especially great, your generosity and compassion will have an impact that cannot be adequately stated. Your partnership with Askia School is greatly valued.