IN THE PIPELINE:

Today is Valentine’s Day, when millions of sweet-smelling roses will be picked and delivered in the name of love.

So what better moment to talk about another kind of rose, and another kind of love — ROSE is an organization called Reach Out for Student Education, and the love I refer to is what ROSE directs toward many poor, needy children in Uganda, Africa.

See, as we enjoy early-summer blue skies and warm, soothing sunshine, it’s easy to forget that in some other corners of the world, things are somewhat less carefree. Michele Martz, a math teacher at the Carden Conservatory in Huntington Beach, hasn’t forgotten — and that’s a good thing. Several years ago, Martz heard about a Danish doctor dealing with the severe AIDS crisis in Uganda.

Long searching for a cause that would involve helping to educate needy children, Martz began working with the doctor in 2005, applying an educational component to the doctor’s healthcare efforts. She created ROSE as a means of helping out kids in the disease-ravaged country and in a short time it’s made a big difference. Martz will travel back to Uganda once again in just a few weeks to deliver funds, supplies and more of her caring spirit.

I recently visited with Michele Martz and her group of student helpers, a dedicated bunch of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, so I could hear more about the program.

Tacked to the wall of the classroom at the Carden Conservatory where we gathered were photos of many of the Ugandan children Martz has met over the years. She says it helps the student volunteers to have an idea of exactly whom they’re helping, and the kids seem to appreciate it. There are 20 junior high student volunteers in all, and during my visit I met Tanya Assaf, (president — eighth grade); Christina Klaeb, (vice president — seventh grade); Sophie Nguyen, (treasurer and secretary — seventh grade); and Kathleen Giang, (assistant treasurer — sixth grade). Pace Bailey, Kendall Moffett, Julia Antoci, Stephanie Do and Allie Farmer rounded out the group of students in our meeting, and to a student, I was thoroughly impressed with how they’ve embraced their teacher’s charitable concept. They give up their lunches for these meetings, which involve constructing business plans for how to manage the contributions, brainstorming new ways to raise donations — anything that will help the cause.

Michele Martz’s descriptions paint a challenging picture in Uganda of dirt floors, tin-roofed sheds and widespread poverty — with kids who are starving not just for food, but for knowledge as well. Many of the kids have lost parents to AIDS, older kids in the family have assumed parental duties, and so she focuses her efforts on the younger set. But the country has a rugged beauty, and the kids, based on their photos and a video I get to see, have much joy in their eyes. They sing, dance and celebrate, no doubt in part to what they feel when they see Martz arrive — because she represents hope.

Student President of ROSE Tanya Assaf says, “We have the opportunity to help these kids. They need us; we’re fortunate enough to have the resources.’

Other schools have pitched in to help the cause, but it’s these kids at Carden that keep ROSE strong and growing.

The goal of the group is to sponsor each child for one school year at the rate of $140 per year, which covers their books, supplies and any other costs associated with their schooling and general education. Sophie Nguyen’s mom, Sylvie, told me how motivated these students are in trying to make a difference, but raising enough to help all the kids they want to reach has been a challenge.

What exactly is needed? Well, money of course is the key. But beyond that, Martz says she’s open to anything — clothing, toys, books and right now, especially Legos. The popular bricks are perfect she says, because their appeal is universal and kids of all ages can enjoy them.

To make a donation or simply get more information, you can contact:

Michele Martz, Secretary of ROSE, c/o Carden Conservatory, 5702 Clark Drive, Huntington Beach. You can call her at the Carden Conservatory, (714) 840-5127 or e-mail mmartz@carden conservatory.com.

This Valentine’s Day; spread the love around a bit. ROSE is in full bloom thanks to Martz and her kids, and they could use your help.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of ten books including his latest, “Led Zeppelin Crashed Here, The Rock and Roll Landmarks of North America” and the forthcoming “Huntington Beach – Then & Now.” He also hosts “The Pop Culture Road Trip” radio show on webtalkradio.net. You can write him at [email protected].