New student group hopes to build schools in Africa

In a sterile, fluorescent-lit Teter classroom late Thursday night, when the weekend had begun for many, several self-described "idealistic" IU students discussed ways to change the future for children on the other side of the world.\n"We are trying to get college students together to make a difference," said freshman co-founder for Building Tomorrow, Sheryl Sabandal.\n"Building Tomorrow" is a national foundation with chapters on several college campuses across the nation, all with the goal "to raise funds and awareness for the benefit of vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa," according to buildingtomorrow.org.\nThe group of mostly freshmen and their friends from high school said they were "just chatting" when they decided to start the group.\n"Just chatting" materialized in their first official meeting Thursday, with hopes to achieve their ultimate goal of raising $52,000 for a school in Africa.\nThe money would provide for labor costs and materials for a school in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, explained Sabandal. The Ugandans will supply the teachers and lease the property for free from the Building Tomorrow organization.\nAccording to the organization's Web site, the schools are opened for children with AIDS, but also "those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds."\nFreshman Laurel Proctor heard about the group from friends on her floor.\n"AIDS is a problem you hear a lot about, but you tune it out," she said. "On the other side of the world, it's a reality, and here's a group that's doing something about it by providing education for those who have no idea about AIDS."\nAfter about an hour of deliberation, the group mulled over various fundraising ideas such as Greek penny wars, dances, concerts, waterslides and hopefully an eventual appearance from U2 frontman Bono.\n"We are just a little bit idealistic," Sabandal said.\nThe group assigned jobs to members for an initial fundraiser. Already members are asking every pizza place in town for a possible midterm pizza sale.\n"We are just trying to feel stable," Sabandal said, "ready to grow bigger and effective."\nFreshman Trevor Shirley, an international studies major, said he joined the group because "it's localizing something I know."\nShirley said the group, though young and with only a few initial members, has potential.\n"It's uphill, it's just a few people with an idea," he said. "I want to do what I can."\nSabandal said the group's greatest challenge is the size of IU. With so many other student groups, she said "it's hard to get anyone to pay attention. This meeting was owned by Grey's (Anatomy)."\nWhile the second meeting time hasn't been announced, the group hopes to meet within the next two weeks.\nSabandal said the group is open to everybody. Students looking for more information about the IU chapter of "Building Tomorrow" can visit their Facebook group "Building Tomorrow"