Language arts assignment changes into desire to help save Darfur
A typical day in English class recently turned into a life-changing experience for Schuylerville student Danielle Dawes—an experience that would have the 11th-grader looking at the world in a new light and encouraging her peers to do the same.

“We were in class discussing the Holocaust, how terrible it was and what could have been done to prevent it,” Danielle explains. “Our teacher then told us that there are similar crimes happening today in Darfur. I thought it was important to see what we could do to help.”

Danielle and her classmates immediately set to work researching the genocide and other atrocities happening in Darfur. Teachers Beth Roberts, Pam DeLucia and Erin Lloyd developed English/language arts assignments around the subject that would fit into the New York State Learning Standards and curriculum requirements. Students were required to conduct research, write reports, write business letters to their legislators and develop reactionary essays to literature written by Darfur residents who have experienced violence first-hand. Students also designed posters to educate their peers and sold “Save Darfur” bracelets to raise funds.

“There was no reluctance in doing these assignments,” DeLucia says. “Students eagerly finished the work, knowing the importance of their efforts.”

“We want the whole country to know what’s going on in Darfur and to do something about it,” says ninth-grader Michael Gulli.

Elizabeth Mitchell, a freshman, agreed, adding, “We feel our government is not doing enough, so we wrote letters to Congresswoman Gillibrand and asked her to support legislation that would help people in Darfur.”

Danielle went one step further and developed a heart-wrenching and compelling PowerPoint presentation, complete with Darfur facts, photos from the region, along with music and an appeal to help. The presentation played during lunch periods at the Jr.-Sr. High School while Danielle and her fellow students accepted donations.

“We should care about other people and help them,” Danielle comments.
The students even educated their parents and family members about the crisis. “My mom talked to people and work and they made donations,” says freshman Tammy Ramsey.

Cassandra Mallory’s mother was part of the process, as well. “My mom helped us make T-shirts so everyone who was raising money could be wearing the same thing,” the ninth-grader explains. “It turns out that people also wanted to donate money to buy T-shirts.”

Cassandra literally sold the shirt off her back.

A great learning experience
“This has been such a great learning experience for everyone. The students are incorporating current events with such skills as reading, researching, writing and computer skills,” comments Lloyd. “At the same time, they’ve taken on an issue, educated their fellow students and also developed fundraising activities to raise money to send to Darfur. The lessons are endless.”