By Williston Post Staff

Herricks Public Schools highlighted a meaningful global service initiative led by the HICAP Club at Herricks High School, through which students provided eyeglasses and essential school supplies to children at an orphanage in Rwanda.

Guided by club adviser Brie Ament, the initiative grew from a powerful humanitarian story shared with students during the 2023–24 school year. Herricks High School hosted speaker Carl Wilkens, the only American who remained in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. His presentation introduced students to Patrick, one of the children he helped save during that time. Today, Patrick is an adult who helps run the orphanage that once protected him.

This fall, Patrick spent a month in New York and connected with Ms. Ament through Herricks social studies teacher Chloe Graef, who had previously worked with him in Rwanda. Before returning home, Patrick shared a pressing need at the orphanage: eyeglasses for children ages 7 to 17.

In response, Ms. Ament and the HICAP Club launched a schoolwide collection drive that exceeded expectations. Students and families donated a full shopping cart of gently used eyeglasses. Club members sorted, cleaned, and packaged each pair, while also collecting school supplies to accompany the donation. Ms. Graef personally delivered the materials to Patrick before his return flight, ensuring the items reached the orphanage safely.

Within weeks, photos and messages arrived from Rwanda showing children receiving their new supplies. Trained staff at the orphanage sorted the donated lenses and fitted the glasses to meet each child’s needs, allowing Herricks students to see the immediate impact of their efforts.

“This project brought together my passion for special education and global studies, and it was incredibly moving to watch our students engage so fully,” Ms. Ament said. “For us, it was a small effort, but for the children receiving these items, it made a tremendous difference. Our students were inspired to see how their actions had a real-world impact.”

Ms. Ament added that the experience broadened students’ understanding of global disparities, particularly access to services such as eyecare that are often taken for granted.

HICAP, an inclusive club serving students in grades 9–12 and closely partnered with the high school’s VIP Program, focuses on supporting children around the world. The Rwanda initiative has since grown into an ongoing partnership. Patrick is expected to return to New York in March, and the club plans to organize another collection drive based on the orphanage’s needs. Plans are also underway for a virtual exchange that would allow Herricks students to meet the children they have helped.

Herricks Public Schools applauded Ms. Ament, the HICAP Club, and the entire school community for their generosity, compassion, and commitment to global citizenship.