Tyrone Area High School’s Youth Action Network’s (YAN) annual “Pennies 4 Panzi” campaign is going on now until February 2.
This fundraiser benefits the Pazi Hospital located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and while is well known throughout the school, many students don’t recognize the importance of it or know the story behind it.
Tyrone High School is the longest-supporting high school student group of the Panzi Foundation in the world.
The hospital’s founder, Dr. Denis Mukwege, was the recipient of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for the work that he does at the hospital.
Dr. Mukwege and his staff have treated over 70,000 women survivors of wartime rape and acts of violence, and their children. The average woman has to endure multiple surgeries which means being in the hospital for a year or more.
“Many of these women have been ostracized by their communities. While there, they are taught new skills that enable them to support their families,” said McNitt, “Women who show interest are also taught to be community activists and leaders. Along with medical care, the hospital provides schooling for their children.”
To support this cause, Tyrone High School classes are asked to donate as much of their spare change as possible.
“When we first started we wanted to send them packages of clothing, and supplies, but quickly learned that the best approach is to send them money,” said McNitt. “When the money is exchanged into local currency our dollars go MUCH further.”
Classrooms will each receive a canister for every participating period. Students can donate pennies to the cause and also choose to put higher-value coins like nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar bills, in other classroom canisters to take away penny points.
Students can try to win with the most number of penny points or by overall funds raised.
Since the annual fundraiser began, YAN has raised over $17,000 for Panzi Hospital. Every class is encouraged to participate to help contribute.
“Your support today will have a direct and forceful impact on their ability to continue their work. YAN is honored to be the longest-supporting high school of the hospital,” McNitt said.
