Student Contributor -S. Smith
This project encourages students to look at global issues of poverty and hunger. Heifer allows people to make donations (or a share of a donation) to buy animals/baskets/water/etc. for third-world families in need. The students work together to raise money for this donation by doing chores at home or even mowing lawns for relatives/neighbors (with permission!).
We started the day off by watch KidPresident’s Hero video on YouTube. It’s inspiration and sends the message that no good deed is too small and that anything (or anyone) can make a difference. This was engaging and inspiring for the students. Then, we brainstormed some local issues that we face. They brought up topics such as poverty, global warming, food insecurity, plastic usage/recycling, dirty water, cost of education, etc. Then, they were assigned the task of writing about one of these topics and describe one solution or one way they can make a difference for it. After the one pagers, I pulled out the book Beatrice’s Goat and had one of the students summarize it because they had already read it. This is where I began talking about Heifer International and our project idea, which got their attention quickly! We had a discussion about helping others, positively impacting peoples’ lives, and that anything helps. Lastly, we walked through a brief slideshow detailing some of the donations that we can raise money for to make such as a flock of chickens, rabbits, or a llama. The students are encouraged to work for the money rather than just asking for it and we brainstormed some ideas in which we can do that. A newsletter was also sent home with the project idea, donation ideas, and the emphasis on having them earn the money. Participation is optional! The money is due next Friday, and we will vote on a donation to make. The conversation of helping others will continue through the week (and hopefully never stop!).
The project is going great! The students were ecstatic upon finding out what we were doing. They are very passionate about helping others. They immediately began brainstorming ways to earn money (lemonade stand, car washes). They already narrowed in on the fact that they need to work to earn the money without me having to say it. The visuals were a great addition because they were able to connect better with the project, who they were helping, and what they were doing to help. The one modification I had to make was when writing the newsletter to send home to their parents with the description of the project. For me, it was difficult asking for families to donate money. My advice would be to ask your mentor! She knows the children and their families the best and can give you the best insight on how to make that approach.
