Heather Murtagh/Daily Journal St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School students Nicole Crisci, Nate Mooi, Nicki Williams and Polly Finch sit with some of the jugs of water in which change was collected to create a clean water source for an Indian village.

Looking for a class project, eighth grade students at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School found clean water to be an interesting topic — and, as it turns out, an enlightening one.

A person can get clean water for life for $25, according to WaterPartners International, a U.S. nonprofit committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. The St. Matthew’s community set a goal of raising $10,000 — enough to provide clean water for a village in India. Efforts kicked off in March on World Water Day and ended yesterday, Earth Day. Through a change drive, an Indian dinner feast and other activities students raised cash for the cause. Money raised will be tallied today.

Students needed a class project and learned about the need in other countries for clean water, explained 13-year-old Nate Mooi.

A St. Matthew’s parent, Tony Stayner, is on the board for WaterPartners and had taken his two eighth-grade children to India to see the work in November. The trip provided a firsthand experience with poverty and effects of not having clean water.

“I didn’t think about how much we have and other’s don’t,” said seventh grade student Nicole Crisci.

Thirteen-year-old Nicki Williams agreed, adding how often water is used daily without a thought. Brushing your teeth or taking a shower are routine here.

“It’s a luxury if you put yourselves in their shoes,” she said.

Fifth grade student Polly Finch takes a shower in the morning and evening. She thought the idea of a shower must be amazing to those in impoverished countries.

Through the project, students began to learn about the effects of water. For example, a five-gallon water jug weighs about 40 pounds. In areas without clean water, children often must carry these jugs three to four miles. As a result, the children end up missing opportunities for education.

Head of School Mark McKee explained it was eye opening for the children to learn how clean water could play a role in issues like health, education and women’s rights.

The project began with a row of water jugs — one per grade, another for preschool and one for the Sunday school class. From there, eighth grade students helped put together a fundraiser dinner. Students helped in all aspects. That St. Matthew’s community showed full support. The event alone raised over $6,000, well above the original $5,000 goal, said McKee. The goal was then stretched to $10,000.

Seventh grade girls put together a garage sale for the cause. It raised more than $800, said Crisci.

Finch gave $165 to the cause with the help of change around the house.

Students hope to give an open gift toward a yet-to-be-identified village for clean water, said the Rev. Amber Evans, school chaplain. Evans wanted students to feel the project was a partnership with the village rather than a handout.

Students were hopeful the project would be a beginning.

Finch was thankful for the opportunity to help give a village a sustainable water source. Williams agreed, adding the efforts made everyone involved feel good. The idea also brought many people involved with the church and school together, said Crisci.

Mooi hoped to see the reactions of those who will benefit.

For more information about WaterPartners International visit www.water.org.  

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.