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Marilou Moser, 80, of Alpine, is spending her days, nights and weekends raising money to build a school in Mali, Africa.
We thought this labor of love deserved a High 5.
Marilou has spent her life teaching. She says after visiting Mali last year, "Well, I was very impressed that they were so interested in learning."
"I thought, anyone who was that interested in learning deserves to have all the chances they can have," she added.
Louise Moser Illes nominated her mother for the High 5. "She is building a school in honor of my father, who passed away," she said. "Both my father and mother were school teachers. And it (the school they're building) is in Mali, Africa."
The fundraising effort for the Mali Rising Foundation is now a family affair. Even members of Marilou's church hit the pavement on her behalf. "We went door to door on quite a few homes to see if they would like to donate," Marilou explained.
Marilou has opened her home and heart to a family from Africa. She says the junior high school will make a difference for girls like Kadi Samake, who she now considers family. "To help the children with school, I think that's a big, big thing to do," Kadi said.
Marilou hopes to raise $30,000 to build the school. Right now she's at about $20,000. She says her big payoff will be when the school is finished, named and dedicated in her late husband's honor.
If you'd like to nominate someone for a High 5, see the link on this page.
