Many people recognize the large number of world problems that are happening in our lifetime but are unable to help due to financial issues, motivation or proper support from their community. One professor at Eastfield recognized a problem within his cultural and religious community, and has extended an invitation to act because there is a lack of water access in West Africa. Professor Willie Kamara is collaborating with churches and Harvester Bees in order to make his vision possible.

Kamara has worked in Dallas College for more than 20 years, and is currently one of Eastfield’s economics professors. He is also an advisor for the African Student Union. Outside of Eastfield, Kamara is a member of the First United Methodist Church Garland, which is where his involvement in the Running 4 Clean Water event began. The other partners of this event include Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, Buckingham United Methodist Church, New World, St. Philip United Methodist Church and The neighborhood Church. The goal of the fundraiser is to provide financial resources to villages in West Africa, mainly for water, but also to provide health facilities, schools, libraries, tractors for farmers and much more.

The annual event started in 2011. It includes a 5k run/1-mile run that anyone can participate in. It is on October 25, and the run begins promptly at 8 a.m. The Running 4 Clean Water event is professionally timed, which encourages participants to practice before the event. The registration fee starts at $35. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Garland/R4CW for more information, or contact Professor Kamara at [email protected].