Two Mission High students bound for Mali this summer to help construct school

By Brenda Reyes
Two Mission High School students have been selected to go to Mali, West Africa, this summer to help build a school.
Their trip is sponsored by Building with Books (BwB), a new program at the school that is designed to engage students in both local and global community service.
BwB volunteers Arda Sititrawet and Besso Khidesheli were selected through an application process consisting of an interview and written essay. They and other BwB volunteers have been helping to raise $500 for the school’s construction.
Arda, 17, is “really excited” to help build a school for “little kids” and at the same time feels “a little bit scared” because she has never been to Africa. Arda said the June 20-July 5 trip will be an opportunity to grasp a “better knowledge” about Africa and “see it for herself.” Arda has transmitted her enthusiasm for working with the community to her younger sister, who plans to join BwB next school year.
Besso, 16, said he did not hesitate to join BwB after he heard that the program offered an opportunity to travel outside of the States as a way to fulfill the school’s graduation requirement to perform 40 hours of community service during a semester.
“I’m only 16 … it will be quite an experience, [plus] it looks good in college applications.” Besso said. Fortunately, all travel expenses will be covered by BwB—students only need to acquire a visa and passport.
Sponsoring and supporting the Building with Books Program is Nancy Rodriguez, who teaches U.S. and Modern World History. Rodriguez appreciates the program because it keeps teenagers busy and off the streets; plus, it looks very good on their college applications.
Rodriguez described the 10 members of BwB as “amazing, honest, and overall well rounded.” Even though BwB has existed at Mission High School only since last fall, its members have held community holiday parties, helped homeless shelters, cleaned the San Francisco Zoo, and marched for breast cancer campaigns.
She said the students have been optimistic and devoted to make their vision a reality. Through bake sales, they have raised $350 towards their goal of raising $500 to contribute to the construction of the school in Mali.
On Friday night, April 18, the Organización Latino Americana Educational (OLE) held a family event themed “Noche Tropical” at the school. Not wasting time, BwB sold cold bottled water to the guests, who enjoyed Mexican and Salvadoran food and danced to Cumbia and Reggeaton in a festively decorated cafeteria with bright pink paper flamingos, palm trees, and colorful beach balls.
BwB Mission High School students also will be selling food at the Mission District’s 2008 Carnival on May 2..