From Bishop Guilfoyle Academy
A group of 11 members of the Bishop Guilfoyle Academy community recently had the opportunity serve and learn at the Selfless Solutions mission site in Tanzania, Africa.
The two-week trip was part of the school’s annual travel and study abroad program.
The group was welcomed by Patrick Irwin, BG 2013 alumna, who is the founder of the nonprofit organization. The service trip included construction projects and working with the children at the school. They had the chance to enjoy the beauty of Africa on a safari.
“I was in awe of the students that participated in this trip,” shared Lisa Wolf, trip participant and mom of 4 BG alumni. “Their willingness to jump right into any task presented, especially the construction of the school building foundation which was very physically challenging. They never complained or backed away from the work at hand. The interactions with the children were so kind, patient and loving. The excitement they shared during the safari, again never complaining about accommodations or food choices, just always rolling with it all.”
Bishop Guilfoyle Academy students raised money to take to the mission site.
Elle Wilson secured a $750 grant from Altoona Sunrise Rotary.
Wilson and Lauren Lehman organized dress down safari theme day at BG and held a bake sale, raising $850.
Joey Lehman secured a donation from the St. Michael/St. Mary parish in Hollidaysburg Men’s Club for $250, which the group used to buy school supplies while they were in Tanzania for the Selfless Solutions school there.
During the BG school year, Mr. Sutton’s Religion classes chip in to support six children monthly at the Selfless Solutions site in Tanzania.
BG has offered numerous travel and study abroad trips in the past, but this Tanzania trip was the first service mission trip.
Dozens of students have participated in the Travel and Study Abroad Program, learning about different cultures and environments in various countries such as Austria, Belize, France, Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Ireland, Spain and the Baja Pennisula.
[Top photo, first row, left to right: Lauren Lehman, Joey Lehman, Patrick VanKleunen, Mrs. Lisa Wolf, Mrs. Jennifer Butler, Elle Wilson. Second row, left to right: Mr. Chris Brown, Mr. Matt Butler, Mrs. Diane Hayes, Selfless Solutions teacher, Mrs. Jana Sidler, Holly Butler.]
