Parsippany Teen Raises Funds For Anti-Malaria Nets

A Parsippany teen recently completed a project to bring nets to African children to help prevent the spread of malaria.

Jacqueline Smith, 14, a recent graduate of Brooklawn Middle School and incoming freshman at Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, became involved in the anti-malaria program through the Parsippany Adult and Community Education’s (PACE) “Wide World of Summer” camp program.

“'Wide World of Summer' is an eight-week camp and enrichment program for in or out-of-district students that is filled with activities, programs, and field trips,” said Laura Smith. “Jackie’s fundraising activities included a soccer goal shootout, basketball shooting contests, and a collection jug for spare change.”

The fundraisers raised money for The UN Foundation's Nothing But Nets campaign which aims to prevent malaria, a leading cause of death among children in Africa by purchasing long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets, distribute them, and educate families on their use.

“High coverage rates of bed nets curb the spread of malaria by up to 90 percent,” said Smith.

Jacqueline was able to raise $600, or the equivalent of 60 life-saving nets.