West School’s fourth-grade students recently concluded their annual service-learning project with an extraordinary accomplishment—raising a total of $11,122.50 to support the Facing the Future (FAFU) School in Kibera, Kenya. This long-standing West School tradition continues to be a powerful example of how students can make a real impact through empathy, education, and service.
As part of the project, students learned about the daily lives and challenges faced by children attending FAFU, located in one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi. Through engaging classroom discussions, presentations, and school-wide awareness activities, students developed a deep understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. Their compassion fueled creative and determined fundraising efforts that rallied the entire school community.
The meaningful connection between West and FAFU was felt even more deeply when students and staff at FAFU shared a heartfelt thank-you video message. In it, FAFU students express their appreciation in their own words—a moving tribute to the generosity and solidarity shown by their peers thousands of miles away. The video served as a powerful reminder of the global bonds our students have built through this experience.
West School extends its sincere thanks to the fourth-grade teachers who led this project, guiding students through each step with care and purpose. Their efforts helped nurture a spirit of global awareness, empathy, and generosity that will stay with students long after the project ends.
We are incredibly proud of our fourth graders and the impact they have made. The funds raised will go directly toward supporting the educational needs of students at FAFU, helping to create brighter futures for children across the globe.