COEUR d’ALENE — Tech entrepreneur Greg Carr is set to inspire a North Idaho College student with a monthlong trip to Mozambique, fully funded by the Gregory C. Carr Foundation. The announcement was made by the foundation along with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, revealing pre-med student Alex Karns as the winner among four finalists from a group of 13 applicants.
Karns expressed his eagerness to grow personally and serve the local community during his time in Mozambique, stating, “I’m going to go there eager to learn.” The other finalists—Abigail Fitzgerald, Micah Jones, and Samantha Bajorek—were also recognized, each receiving a $500 scholarship for their interest in humanitarian efforts and cultural exchange.
Task force secretary Tony Stewart praised the finalists as “remarkable students” and noted that their dedication reflects the core values of the organization, which has fostered strong relationships in the U.S. and abroad for over 45 years.
Greg Carr, who began supporting restoration efforts in Mozambique in 2008, emphasized the resilience of the Mozambican people. He highlighted the progress made in the region despite the challenges of past conflicts and ecological destruction, noting that Mozambicans now run tourism businesses and have seen women ascend to leadership roles previously unavailable to them. “As we Americans help the Mozambicans, we are not giving them a handout, we are giving them a hand up,” Carr stated.
Throughout the trip, Karns will engage with health clinics and educational initiatives established by the foundation, particularly focusing on improving educational opportunities for girls, where the literacy rate is severely unbalanced—28% for girls compared to 60% for boys. Karns, a graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School and North Dakota State University, aims to incorporate the experiences gained into his career in healthcare.
Finalist Abigail Fitzgerald remarked that the Foundation’s offer initially seemed too good to be true and expressed her intention to become involved in meaningful humanitarian efforts throughout her travels. Likewise, Micah Jones, although not the winner, plans to continue pursuing travel and volunteer opportunities that align with his medical aspirations. Veterinary student Samantha Bajorek, although unable to attend the event in person, conveyed her desire for the experience to shape her future career focused on environmental conservation and wildlife support.
Task force vice-president Christie Wood encouraged NIC students to harness their passion for learning and exploration. “I want you all to go see the world and make an impression on the world but please come back here,” she advised, reinforcing a commitment to local community ties even as students seek global experiences.
This initiative not only highlights the transformative power of education and cultural exchange but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and personal development in addressing global challenges. It fosters hope for both the students involved and the communities they will engage with in Mozambique.