Cathcart Elementary Students Build Global Connections Through Sister Schools

This year, Cathcart Elementary joined Sister Schools for the very first time, and already, the cultural exchange program is making a meaningful impact. Students are discovering new perspectives, building empathy, and connecting with peers in Uganda through stories, shared experiences, and generosity. 

Four students shared how the program has opened their eyes and their hearts. 

Brant: “It feels good to give to others.” 

Sixth grader Brant Berry is a competitive swimmer who loves mountain biking, doing skits with his younger sister, and dreaming big. Someday, he hopes to become an Olympic swimmer. After learning about daily life for students in Uganda, including their long walks to school and their limited meals, he felt compelled to help. 

Brant donated around 500 pencils to support Ugandan students. “It feels good to be involved in Sister Schools,” he said. “It gives me the feeling of accomplishment.” 

Brant was amazed by many of the things he learned about Uganda, especially some of the hardships his peers there face. But more importantly, Brant also discovered common ground across continents. He realized that at the core, he and his new friends in Uganda are the same. “They are kids who have friends and play games with each other… the kindness of people is the same!”  

Camille: “We cleared out the whole store!” 

Eight-year-old Camille Shema brings color and joy to her classroom. Her favorite color is purple, she loves horses, and she enjoys playing Legos with her younger brother. She also loves Cathcart’s Friday dance parties, especially when “Raining Tacos” comes on. 

When it came time to donate, Camille and her family went all-in: “We bought all the notebooks from the store - we cleared them out!” They filled five large bags with notebooks, pencils, pencil boxes, coloring books, and activity books. “I felt good,” she said simply. 

Camille loved seeing similarities between her school and Ugandan schools—especially the importance of dance. She noticed how hard Ugandan students work, carrying water and staying up late to do chores. Recognizing the challenges they face is part of why she was so excited to get involved by donating. “Sharing is caring,” she explained. “Our schools are basically sisters. If I had a sister, I would give all my clothes and I would also let her play with my stuff. It is similar with our schools!”   

Jaclyn: “Giving is better than getting” 

Fifth grader Jaclyn Robbins is known for her kindness, her love of math, and her talent for making people smile. She donated one hundred pencils and three notebooks after learning that Ugandan students can be sent home if they don’t have the necessary supplies. “That is very hurtful,” she said, “I really like going to school.” 

Jaclyn approaches giving with thoughtfulness: “I think more about what it means to give than what it means to get. Giving is better than getting.” 

She was shocked by some of the things she learned about Ugandan life, including the long walks carrying heavy water jugs, the small houses with no privacy, and all the kids without shoes. But she also discovered many similarities that deepened her connection with the students at her sister school. “We both like school, and our lives aren’t really that different,” she said. “We both have big cities close by but we both live in the countryside. We both have hard times. We all are equal.”  

Jamie: “Learning kindness is important.” 

Fourth grader Jameson “Jamie” Droke is a budding artist who loves drawing, reading, baseball (especially playing third, shortstop, or second), and birdwatching with his binoculars on family trips. At home, he and his older brother wrestle, play video games, and dote on their dog, Moneypenny—nicknamed “Muppet.” 

Jamie donated books and pencils, including many extras his family had at home. He was surprised by what he learned through the Sister Schools presentation: “They had to get water from a well… and they had morning chores before school. Meanwhile, we just walk into class and start working.” 

For Jamie, the biggest takeaway was how kindness grows when students understand one another: “Before Sister Schools, there was some trouble on the playground…kids picking on some kids, and some bullying. Now, they don’t do it as much. I think Sister Schools helped everyone be kinder!” 

Looking Ahead: A Year of Understanding and Empathy 

These stories from Brant, Camille, Jacklyn and Jamie reflect the heart of Sister Schools’ mission. We’re excited to help students see beyond their own experiences and connect with others through generosity, curiosity, and shared humanity. 

Cathcart’s first year in the program has already sparked deeper empathy, greater appreciation, and even positive changes on the playground. As the partnership grows, so will the connections—through books shared, stories exchanged, and kindness learned. 

The students at Cathcart are discovering something powerful: when they give, they don’t just change someone else’s life... they also change their own.