Developing countries face a pandemic of illiteracy. Many places in the world do not have access to the level of education that Chelsea High School provides, and a student is planning on doing something about it. Freshman Zora Ziolkowski is working with BuildOn to build a school to help those in Africa.

“We’re going to go there, and it’s a nine-day trek to the country,” Ziolkowski said. “We’re going to help build the bricks and pour the foundation.”

The school will be located in Malawi, a country in south-east Africa, and there will be a total of $32,000 for the school and their travel. However, this was split up between the BuildOn team and Ziolkowski.

“My personal goal is 3,300, and I’ve accomplished almost a third,” Ziolkowski said.

While there is still a long way to go, the Ziolkowski family has experience in the game of community service. Ziolkowki’s mom has done tricks in the past and raved about the transformative experience, even suggesting a family trek to bring them together.

“It would be a bonding experience,” Ziolkowski said.

As far as raising money, Ziolkowski has been mostly writing letters asking for donations. However, she plans to broaden her efforts to fundraisers, can drives, and bake sales sometime this November with Key Club. Anyone in school will be able to contribute to this charitable cause through the fundraisers.

“I’m really thankful to everybody who donates,” Ziolkowski said.