by Kate Sweeney
Community service, getting involved, and expanding the horizons of learning are extremely important aspects here, at Woburn Memorial High School. Students and faculty are always on the look-out for new ways to make a difference in the world. Recently, this means participating in the Pulsera Project.
“Pulsera” is the Spanish word for bracelet. The Pulsera Project is a non-profit organization taking a small idea and making a big difference. The project started when a group of friends went down to Nicaragua for a vacation and discovered the people there where in immense need of help. Nicaragua is a poverty-stricken country; the conditions they saw the people living in were devastating and fueled their desire to help.
In Nicaragua there are not a sufficient amount of
jobs available. The existing jobs are generally factory work which requires
long, grueling hours in unsafe, unfair working conditions while providing very
little pay. This leaves many families having to live on the streets, without
food, shelter, or means to get an education. Emerging from the dark dreariness
off the streets was a beaming ray of colorful hope, the Pulseras. The friends
noticed the Nicaraguans had this fascinating skill to make beautiful bracelets,
and that’s where it all began.
Four
years, 150,000 Pulseras, and over 750,000 dollars later the Pulsera Project is
rapidly growing and continuing to change a nation. The organization has been successful
for the reason that everyone involved in the process benefits; it’s the
simplicity of the concept is what makes it so smart. The Nicaraguans can make
the Pulseras when time permits and under fair working conditions, putting them
in control of their own incomes. Mothers with children now have the ability to
stay home and take care of their families while still being able to
provide financially. There is no financial burden placed on the seller of the
Pulseras, the foundation just sends a box of Pulseras in the mail, the individual
sells as many as (s)he can then sends back the extras. There is no fee and one
is not responsible for providing money on account of unsold merchandise.
It is also relatively easy to get people interested
in buying the Pulseras as they’re only five dollars; they’re for an amazing
cause and they even make great gifts! The money earned from the sales goes to
helping Nicaragua in so many ways. From providing an income for struggle
families, to setting up safe shelters, providing food, clothes, medicine and books,
to providing educational opportunities, the possibilities are endless.
The
Pulsera project caught the eye of Spanish teacher Katherine Bolcome-Owen and
she became inspired.
“We
were looking for a way to incorporate new cultural components into the
curriculum. I just stumbled across the project and thought it would be a really
great thing to get the whole school involved with. The rest is history,” said
Bolcome-Owen. “The Pulsera Project has been spread across forty-two states so
far which is amazing but there has only been a handful of Massachusetts schools
involved so far. I thought it would be great for Woburn High to be one of the
firsts to start the trend.”
If
you are as enthusiastic as Bolcome-Owen and the students already involved with
the project, here is what you can do to help. WMHS students will be selling the
Pulseras Monday, December 9 through Friday, December 13 before school in the
lobby, in the café during all three lunches, and before and after school in
Mrs. Bolcome-Owens room (E306). If you’r not interested in purchasing a bracelet
but still want to participate, any kind donation would be appreciated.
Lastly, if you don’t attend Woburn High but are
still interested in supporting the cause you can contact Mrs. Bolcome-Owen at
kbolcome-owen@woburnpublicschools.com.
Spread the word and support
the cause! For more information on the Pulsera Project go to www.pulseraproject.org.
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