Matthew Andrew with children during a humaritarian trip to Nicaragua

Andrew will spend six weeks this summer working on social issues in Kenya.

Student Movement for Real Change is an international non-profit organization that works to empower young leaders in the global effort to answer poverty. Founded in 2001 by a high school student to engage his peers after 9/11, SMRC is an international organization with a record of developing sustainable solutions in health and education in Kenya, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. Members come from hundreds of schools, universities, communities and countries across the United States and around the world.

The program received applications from more than 40 different universities nationally. They chose only 10 students to participate. Andrew learned of the program through David Ives, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute.

"I've been very active with the Schweitzer Institute," said Andrew. "I have gone on previous humanitarian effort trips with them to Nicaragua and Guatemala to investigate what the people from those regions need help with and build classrooms."

During his internship, Andrew will spend time working directly with the Kenyan people to help resolve water issues. The interns will work with the community to construct a dam in order to provide cleaner water along with 14 latrines and hand washing stations. The students will also give hygiene training workshops to the community. They also plan to build a schoolhouse for primary and secondary level education.

Andrew will stay with a host family during his visit. He will spend most of his time in the town of Kayafungo.

Each student who participates in the internship must raise $5,500. Andrew said he will do fundraising and seek grants to pay for his trip.

For more information on the Student Movement for Real Change or to help in fundraising, please contact Andrew at matthew.andrew@quinnipiac.edu.