High school students tackle many roles during their four-year careers. At the Haverford School, seniors Josh Barrett and Creighton Soukup can now add “superhero” to their lists, as they complete the second year of one of Haverford’s most successful service projects to date.
Founded during their sophomore year, 90% NOISE (Network of International Student Education) provides educational support for “the other 90 percent” of children in impoverished communities. Soukup and Barrett initially focused their attention and resources on the Esperanza y Caridad (Hope and Charity) School in Lima, Peru, where $350 provides one student with clothing, educational tools and medical supplies for a year. “We raised $20,000 last year,” says Barrett. “Now we’re expanding to include other schools.”
Future plans include the Corporación Educativa Popular (Educational Corporation for the People) in Cali, Colombia, and the Akanksha Foundation Learning Centers in Mumbai, India. Aside from global expansion, the 90% NOISE team has evolved, too. Representatives from the Agnes Irwin and Baldwin schools, Episcopal Academy, and the Shipley School now round out its board and committees. This year’s semi-formal fundraiser at the Merion Cricket Club raised $33,000.
Meanwhile, big plans are in the works for future graduates across the globe—especially those in Lima, where Soukup and Barrett will be paying a visit this summer. “We’re getting webcams and bringing computers down with us, so our classes can communicate throughout the year,” says Soukup. “We also want to start a pen-pal program, incorporating English and Spanish for both schools.”
To learn more, call Jini Loos at the Haverford School, (610) 642-3020, ext. 1399.
