Lemont Student Hosts Art Show to Support Africa Charity

A Lemont High School student has witnessed firsthand the struggle African families face to educate their children, and she was compelled to help.

Jorie Dybcio founded Word for Hope charity following her mission trip to Africa. Funds raised through the charity are used to school children in Tanzania. In an effort to bring in additional funds, Dybcio will host an art show Friday at Lemont High School Commons Annex, 800 Porter St.

“This has always been something I’ve been passionate about,” she said. “There’s just something about Africa, the needs that they have, that has inspired me.”

Artwork on display was created by Lemont High School students, with others by Dybcio’s friends from other schools. Work by Haitian artists will also be on display. The event will also include live music and a bake sale.

Entry is $5 per person, which will go to Word for Hope. The cost of educating one student in Tanzania is $35 per year—a problem Dybcio believes she can solve. Word for Hope recently announced its first delivery of school supplies to Tanzanian kids thanks to generous donations and event organization. More than 40 young students from Nowu Secondary School in the Mbulu District were provided with pens, textbooks and notebooks to gain better learning conditions.

The public viewing for the art show is from 2:45 to 5 p.m. Friday. Students can view the show through May 11.