This summer, much like everything else in our world, the fate of our 25th annual PWA backpack drive was uncertain. Given our health and safety concerns and with the Steering Committee working from home, we knew this year would look different.
In August, we were still finalizing the logistics when we got an encouraging email from a community member. Kundai Chikowero, a senior at Dos Pueblos High School, had always looked forward to the PWA backpack drive and was worried that it might not happen this due to COVID-19 and knew that the need would be higher than ever. So she organized her own successful supply drive! We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her fundraising efforts and what she’s looking forward to this year.
PWA: What has been your experience with the PWA Backpack drive over the years?
Kundai: My mom and dad work at UCSB, and through them I got to know about the PWA Annual Backpack drive. I have been a member of Youth Making Change (YWC), Santa Barbara, since 8th grade. Once I was aware of the PWA Annual Backpack drive, I decided to use part of my stipend from YMC each year to purchase school supplies and backpacks. I dropped off the supplies, mostly at the UCEN dropoff location. I was happy last year when for the first time you had a dropoff center in the UCSB Library. This was a very convenient location for me since my mom works at the UCSB Library. I look forward to the PWA drive every year because of its positive impact on Isla Vista Elementary School. IV being my alma mater, I have first-hand experience of how some students go without things like backpacks. It was exciting for me to learn how the PWA is doing this amazing work in our community. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a caring community.
PWA: Tell us more about your supply drive this summer!
Kundai: This summer we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. My dad's former UCSB student did a backpack drive for his community. This drive made me think a lot about the PWA Annual Backpack drive. With almost all UCSB employees working remotely I started getting a bit worried about how the backpack drive was going to work. I asked my mom and she wasn't too sure as well. I decided to use my YMC stipend to secure some backpacks and school supplies. An idea came to my mind to organize a virtual backpack fundraiser to augment what I had bought. Since I am still a minor, my mom helped me out to plan a GoFundMe fundraiser. I had a $500 target but the response was overwhelming. In less than 2 days, the target was exceeded by $110. I am grateful to all who shared it on social media and those who donated. I managed to buy 76 backpacks in total and a variety of other school supplies like colored pencils, pencils, erasers, binders, glue sticks, sharpeners, and boxes of Kleenex for the teachers. I handed over the supplies to the IV school Principal Ms. Reyes, who was simply overwhelmed with gratitude. I have to thank PWA for instilling in me in this sense of caring for one's community.
PWA: What are some issues you are passionate about right now?
Kundai: I am very passionate about racial equality. I have participated in the Martin Luther King essay and poetry competitions since 7th grade. I have read my winning poems and essays at various venues in Santa Barbara. I have self-published two poetry books with themes ranging from racial equality, women's rights among other things. I also care deeply about our environment to the point where I might venture into environmental law.
PWA: What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?
Kundai: We are in a pandemic, which has been really challenging. I am trying to always look at the brighter side of life, hoping for a brighter tomorrow. I am looking forward to a lot of things. I am in my senior year of high school, so I am looking into college options. I am also looking forward to my final MLK poetry competition. Above all, I am simply looking forward and hoping for a love-filled society.