It all began in June 2006 with an inspiring visit from Applewild Alumna Jennifer Sarja. Jennifer came to receive an award, and in the process, inspired the students to participate in the Water Well Project for YouthInkwell.    

Throughout the academic year (2006-2007), students sold copies of When Watute Wants Some Water and How to Cook with a Pencil in order to raise money to buy a well for people in Africa. Many students also donated their treasured artwork for the latest book The Painted Tea Set.

In the Fall of 2007, the former 4th grade students were delighted to be informed that their donated artwork was actually being published! The students’ treasured artwork will be found in the wallpaper of the coming book The Painted Tea Set which is due out in December. 

Full of enthusiasm, this year’s current 4th graders wanted to continue the great work, so they have embraced this project by spreading the awareness of the Well Project, and will continue drumming up support for book sales and straight donations. They will document their progress with a “well pump” in the Crocker foyer. Our goal is to have enough money to buy a well by the end of this school year. 

Please visit the website http://youthinkwell.org to see pictures of our Applewild artists, make donations, or buy books. Please spread the word to your friends and families. Together we can make a difference. 

Youthinkwell’s Mission Statement 

YouthInkwell Publishing is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit company that seeks to both embolden young writers and help the less fortunate. Beginning in the summer of 2005 with "The Water Well Project," YouthInkwell Publishing (in conjunction with the YouthInkwell Center for Writing in Pasadena, California) has already published two wonderful books by young artists. Profits from the sales of these books go towards the building of water wells in Uganda and Ethiopia. 

It is our belief that art can change the world and make it a better place. The young people involved with "The Water Well Project" have proven this: their writings and drawings will aid in the battle against poverty and disease in sub-Saharan Africa. 

"The Water Well Project" is the first project from YouthInkwell Publishing, and it is certainly not the last. We look forward to a very bright future, helping those in need with the help of young artists and writers.