Tesia Shibilski, a 16-year-old high school student at Middleton High School in the US has raised $13,865 (Ksh1,500, 886) for purchasing a new school bus for Kijana Global Innovation School in Kenya.
Speaking to NBC15, she said that she was inspired by her grandfather to help whenever she can.
Shibilski made a move to fundraising towards the purchase of a school bus for the Kenyan school when she saw the school’s pamphlet.
Her family founded the Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative which champions youth empowerment and education in Kenya.
“I just saw how big of a positive impact it can have on people, and seeing the people and learning more about the organization, the Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative, I knew it was something I wanted to take on,” she said.
“I thought I could contribute, I can do something good,” she said.
The sophomore started out on her fundraiser by asking friends and family to contribute towards her course to buy a school bus for the Kenyan school.
Her campaign went online with a target of $ 10,000 but she raised more than this.
The Middleton student says means of transport for young girls is paramount and she has learned how powerful social media can be in changing situations.
“Especially with teens, we can all relate to school and education and buses.
“I think using the social media platform to connect people my age that can understand. Students helping students is, I think, a really good way to get people involved.”
Kijana Global Innovation School currently has a 14-seater van which is not enough to cater for the transport needs of all students.
The new school bus is expected to arrive at the school in July.
Shibilski is happy that she has made a difference for the students at the Kenyan school.
“I’ll just feel so good that I was able to help these kids and give them the opportunity to go to the school and take the bus to the school,” she said.
“I think we can all relate to riding the bus and going to school, it’s a good thing to know that I’ve helped other kids have that experience.”