Spotlight on Service: Andrew Ansaldi Puts His Passion for Basketball to Good Use
Monica Verwaay Ansaldi, NSHSS Parent
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
HAITI . . . once considered the Pearl of the Antilles, today is known as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. This country has suffered from decades of political instability, which in turn contributed to the present situation of poverty, illiteracy, disease, malnutrition, corruption, and insecurity.
How can a conscientious junior in a private school make a small difference in a country like Haiti? My son, Andrew, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, decided to make a difference and developed a youth program in our neighborhood.
Andrew's team
Andrew's passion is basketball, so he selected 10 underprivileged kids in our neighborhood between the ages of 10 and 12 and once per week he coaches these young boys. Tennis shoes and uniforms were purchased for them, and after practice, Andrew takes all the uniforms and does the laundry for the following week. This training is usually held on Saturday mornings at our home for about two to three hours. These kids are supplied with bottled water and while they are training, a homemade meal is prepared for them. Andrew eats with them, chats with them, and gives them advice on life in general. All in all, I think this is the highlight of these boys' week. Andrew's ultimate dream is to challenge this team to a game with his school's junior varsity basketball team.
Living in a country like Haiti, my husband and I have realized the importance of community involvement and have shared this philosophy with our children. We have taught them that giving and sharing is more important than receiving.
At Andrew's school, Union School, the students are expected to do community service hours in order to graduate. As an example, a group of high school students went to an orphanage last weekend and played soccer, did arts and crafts, and danced with the orphans. They all had a fulfilling day; however, Andrew wants to go beyond what the school offers and he wants to make a difference in our neighborhood. This is why he created this project and he takes it very seriously. My son has been an inspiration to these kids, to our family, and hopefully to other students at Union School.