Sisters Make Origami to Help Children without Access to Clean Water

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. sanitary / ˈsæn ɪˌtɛr i / (adj) – clean; free from dirt and pollution
    Example:

    They plan to build a sanitary water source for the poor community.


  2. set up / sɛt ʌp / (phrasal) – to build or create an organization, company, etc.
    Example:

    He set up a nonprofit to help children from poor families.


  3. contaminated / kənˈtæm ɪ neɪ tɪd / (adj) – polluted
    Example:

    Don’t drink this contaminated water. It can give you diarrhea.


  4. well / wɛl / (n) – a deep hole or opening in the ground constructed to provide water supply
    Example:

    Building wells is a practical solution for people who don’t have access to clean water.


  5. in order / ɪn ˈɔr dər / (idiom) – arranged properly
    Example:

    Now that I have paid all my debts, my life is in order.


Article

Read the text below.

Two teenage sisters from Texas, United States, create and sell origami to raise funds for children around the world who have no access to sanitary water.


Isabelle and Katherine Adams founded a nonprofit organization called Paper For Water in 2011 back when they were eight and five years old, respectively. They set up the nonprofit after learning that some children in other parts of the world miss school because they have to find or get clean water for their families. Some children were also dying because of contaminated water.


According to Katherine, she and Isabelle wanted to help those children in need, so they decided to use one of their interests, making origami, to raise funds. The sisters’ original goal was only to raise enough money to build a well in Ethiopia, Africa; but when they achieved that target, they decided to do more.


In the first year of Paper For Water, the sisters were able to raise about $10,000. Since then, the organization has raised over $2 million and has accomplished more than 200 clean water projects in 20 countries.


Aside from funding wells, the sisters’ nonprofit also educates children about the water crisis and raises awareness about people who have no access to clean water.


When the sisters have classes at school, they make sure they still have time for making origami. Isabelle said that balancing school work and the organization’s activities is not easy because she and Katherine have to ensure that all aspects of their lives are in order. The sisters said that they are able to manage everything by using their time properly and prioritizing.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think Paper For Water is a good project? Why or why not?
• Do you think the sisters will be able to maintain the organization until they grow older? Discuss.

Discussion B

• If you were to develop a new hobby or interest, what would it be? Explain.
• Can you use this hobby or interest for a good cause? Discuss.