The Pembroke Hill middle and upper school Social Justice Groups have been hosting virtual group conversations with students from around the world regarding social justice issues in their regions. A group of youth from Jinja, Uganda, wanted to join the bi-weekly conversations through Zoom, but they only had one computer and scant internet access.

“We connected with the group through a family friend, and the teachers, Tony and Peter, told us because of COVID, they had been out of school for over a year,” junior Adib Rabbani said. “They were already working with over 100 kids and were eager to train them on how to use the computer and Internet. This is what motivated us to donate the funds raised for the purchase of the five laptops and Internet connection.”

The social justice group hosts a Facebook page, Just Art, where artists from around the world can donate their pieces to support social and educational projects through the social justice group. Through funds raised by selling this art, the group was able to provide the laptops and internet connection.

“Personally, I have been impressed by how far a relatively little amount of money by U.S. standards can go,” Adib said. “So many children, youth and young mothers are being trained with these laptops. Besides connecting youth around the world, the laptops are being used to teach IT classes, plan locations for tree planting and start fundraising campaigns for local families. The laptops are moreover being transported from place to place on a weekly basis for classes to youth in different regions. All of this from five laptops.”

Sponsor Maud Croibier-Muscat said interactions the group had with students from Mexico last year was a real success and led them to expanding those interactions with students in other parts of the world.

“It’s been completely organized and led by them,” Maud said. “I am so proud of their leadership and hard work. Turning social justice learning into community service  like this initiative is a very powerful experience for our students.”