Esther Paden

Service-learning Coordinator

Linden High School

The Arts(Visual and Performing)

Comprehensive Health and Physical Education

2.1, 2.2

Language Arts Literacy

Social Studies

6.1, 6.2, 6.3,6.4,6.5

Technology 8.1

Consumer, Family & Life Skills 9.2 A, B, C, D.

To educate the student body on global issues, a service-learning program called, "We Are One", was established at Linden High
School. The program's first project is to educate the high school community on Genocide in Darfur. "We Are One" volunteers were assigned to team up with two 10^th grade social studies classes to educate the student body on the history and the atrocities of genocide. All students involved are required to view the film "Hotel Rwanda", and conduct research on the internet, prior to beginning the service-learning project. Students are given the responsibility of creating flyers and brochures to educate the student population on the history of genocide and the present day status of genocide in Darfur. Students are also directed to create a visual display for the front lobby of the school. Students are then assigned to make morning announcements on the history of genocide and to update the student body on the status of genocide around the world. As a fundraiser for the United Nations, students design an emblem of the earth with a space for the purchaser's name. The miniature earth, with the words, "Stop Genocide", in red letters, is to be sold to students and staff. Each miniature earth is to be hung up in the halls to show student and staff support. To educate the community, the student body will be given brochures to take home A final fundraiser and awareness campaign is to take place in front of a major grocery store. Students will erect a display, hand out flyers, and raise money for the United Nations through a "Can Shake". Student participants will be recognized at the Learn and Serve Awards program.

How long will this project take to complete?

Two months

Project Scheduling:

During course of the school day and after school

Equipment Needed:

Computers, display board, art supplies

Academic Focus

The academic focus of this activity is to educate the school community on the horrors of genocide and to develop student interest on global humanitarian issues.

Social Studies; Students study and research the situation in Darfur and relate it to other examples of genocide.

Language Arts; Students write reports, brochures, address public.

Visual Arts: Students design emblem.

Technology: Students create brochures.

Consumer, Family & Life Skills: Students demonstrate critical judgment & self-management skills as well as practice ethical values.

Coordinating student activities

Using a parent volunteer to help with after school activities

Performance-based Education

Lessons on historical atrocities and current global human rights issues, Research, oral presentations

Collaborating on creating displays, flyers, brochures that depict the atrocities of genocide.

Students combine skills in social studies, art and language arts

Personal Growth Outcomes:

Students will develop an interest in global human rights issues and the role that advocacy can play through meaningful service-learning activities. Core ethical values include: respect, responsibility, empathy

The project fosters the core ethical values by sensitizing students to human rights issues and the right for everyone to exist as human beings.

Pizza party for student participants at the end of the project

Students are recognized at end-of-the year Awards program.

Key Findings:

Students feel empowered and realize that by taking on worth causes, they can become involved in the political process and make a difference.

Community Involvement:

Members of the community will be educated through flyers and brochures and a fundraiser outside of a major food-store chain.

Parents and Volunteer Involvement:

Parents are educated by students bringing home brochures and flyers containing information on the past genocides in Darfur

Parents volunteer time to assist with the community "Can Shake" fundraiser for the United Nations fight against genocide.

Reflection Activities:

Oral discussions, journal writing, final essay on impact project had on student participant highlighting, social, emotional and personal growth.

Means of Assessment:

Observation, production of brochures and flyers, writing exercises.