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This summer, Shady Side Academy student Jasper Chapman embarked on a transformative journey to Sierra Leone, supported by the Parkin Fellowship, which enabled him to bring a meaningful project to life. For years, Jasper has been driven by a passion for service and a desire to make a tangible impact on communities in need. Through his nonprofit, Koi For Good, Jasper has combined his hobby of breeding and selling koi fish with a commitment to fundraising for educational resources in under-resourced regions. The funds he raised through his nonprofit made it possible for him to commission new furniture for a pre-primary school in Kono village, eastern Sierra Leone, providing over 400 students with proper desks and chairs for the first time.

Crossing into Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, was the start of what Jasper describes as “the most impactful trip” of his life. From the moment he stepped off the ferry, he was struck by the stark realities of daily life in one of the world’s poorest countries—evident in the battered infrastructure, the pressing poverty, and the resilience of the people he met. As he traveled across the countryside, visiting mineral extraction sites and farming facilities, Jasper gained a visceral understanding of the supply chains that underpin so many of the everyday products we use. At each stop, he observed how mining cobalt, coltan, and diamonds—minerals that power our electronics and luxury items—takes a profound toll on the lives and health of local miners, while providing them with only meager earnings.

In Kono, Jasper’s work took on new life. For years, the pre-primary school in this village had operated with only cinder blocks for seating and without basic classroom supplies. But with the funds Jasper raised through Koi For Good, the school was finally able to purchase and install proper desks and chairs for its young students. The school community celebrated the delivery with a vibrant party and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Seeing the joy on the kids' faces made the bumpy, muddy journey all worthwhile,” Jasper reflected. “It was incredibly humbling to witness the community’s excitement and to know that this project made a real difference in their everyday lives.”

Beyond the rewarding moments in Kono, Jasper was also confronted with the harsh conditions at the Bomeh e-waste dump on the outskirts of Freetown. Here, he saw how electronic waste from around the world piles up, creating a toxic environment where people live, scavenge, and struggle to survive. He met families who earned only a few cents a week sorting through discarded electronics, and he noted that few people seemed to live beyond age 50. For Jasper, witnessing the devastating effects of global waste firsthand instilled in him a new awareness of the hidden costs of consumer culture and inspired him to continue advocating for sustainable practices.

One of the highlights of his trip was visiting various mine sites, including a high-security coltan mine owned by foreign investors, where Jasper observed firsthand the difficult and often dangerous working conditions. At each site, he was joined by his friend Fas, a PhD student passionate about advocating for fair wages. “Watching Fas work with the miners and speak up on their behalf was inspiring. It made me realize how much more we can all do to support those who work in these challenging environments,” Jasper shared.

Reflecting on his journey, Jasper notes that the experience has left a lasting impact on how he sees the world and his place in it. “I can’t look at things like electronic decorations the same way anymore without thinking of the people who work in mines or scavenge through e-waste dumps,” he explained. Now, back in the U.S., Jasper’s commitment to his nonprofit and to creating lasting change has only grown stronger. His journey to Sierra Leone has not only enriched his understanding of service but has also strengthened his resolve to continue making a difference—one desk, one classroom, one koi fish at a time.