By Matt Miller
Staff Writer

For all those who are unaware, Amnesty International is a humanitarian organization that works in numerous countries across the globe. Established in 1961, Amnesty International is a movement of people assembled to fight injustice and promote human rights. Currently, there are more than one million members in the organization. This group has a number of goals they wish to see accomplished including abolishing the death penalty, ensuring fair and prompt trials for political prisoners and freeing all prisoners of conscience.

The students’ goal here at WA is to raise money to purchase a number of solar cookers for women in poverty stricken parts of Africa. Junior Priyanka Ram is organizing this event after a life altering trip to Africa last summer.

“I was influenced to organize this event during my vacation to Kenya this past summer said Priyanka. During my trip, I noticed the destitute conditions of men, women, and children living in rural villages. I decided I wanted to help out in some possible way.”

In many villages in Kenya, a woman’s traditional role includes cooking, gathering firewood, and hauling water. Due to climate change and population growth, many areas have been depleted of firewood and water. In these areas, women and young girls spend up to six hours a day hauling water from distant sources or searching for wood for cooking. There is also a risk for these women and girls who trek for firewood and water. They could be potentially subjected to abuse and other dangers.

“These women are at risk in these areas of Africa” said Amnesty International advisor Donna Kavanagh. “These cookers should help to reduce the risk of assault and rape.”

These solar cookers are simple and easy to use. They require no fuel source and are both practical and affordable. These devices can perform tasks  such as boiling water or grilling food, and since they do not require any fuel source, they help to prevent air pollution. In addition, these cookers slow the process of deforestation and desertification since they do not require firewood. In addition to cooking food, these machines can help to pasteurize disease filled water and make it safe to drink. The cookers are not much of a fire hazard either, thus reducing the risk of wildfires. They cost less than twenty-five dollars to purchase.

For one week, students will not purchase a lunch from the school cafeteria. The money that would be used for a hot lunch would be donated to this cause. At the end of the week, the students will determine how much money was made.

“I would like to involve all of the students in the school in this project to raise money,” said Priyanka. “Hopefully, students can donate their lunch money for one day and fast for this great cause.”