Name: Keana Larose Velsen
When it began: started her project at age 7
City: Gabriola Island, British Columbia
Website: N/A
Keana Velsen was 7 years old when she heard about the Ryan’s Well Foundation, a foundation that raised money to build wells in Africa. From her British Columbia home, she started created pottery necklaces to help raise money and organized a fundraiser with singer Rick Scott to support the Ryan’s Well Foundation. Since then she has raised almost $2,000 for wells in Africa.
What inspired you to start making necklaces to raise money for clean water in Africa?
I've always liked to help people and felt sorry that some people in Africa have to drink dirty water and walk for a long time to get to water.
When I heard about Ryan's Well I felt really proud of him and he's just a kid too, and that's where I wanted the money from my pottery necklaces to go. To help lots of people at one time.
When you first got started, what kind of challenges did you face and how did you tackle them? Were there any specific challenges you faced because you were a kid?
Some times it was hard to find a place to fire my clay necklaces and places to sell them. Then people started to help by giving me some clay and firing my necklaces for free.
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishments?
I have raised enough money to drill one well so that lots of kids and adults have clean water to drink.
Is there someone you admire, or something that inspires you everyday to continue your work?
My Maman, Dadda and my brother Kaleb and Ryan from Ryan's Well Foundation.
What advice would you give to our EcoKids who are itching to do something just like you did?
Just believe in yourself, you can do it if you try!
