Journal # 10
Kids Galore Helping Kids in Dafur
Third graders use technology to think and act globally by Wendy Drexler
Learning & Leading with Technology, November 2007

“Kids Galor Helping Kids in Darfur” is a service-learning web site created for the third-graders at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, Florida, http://w3.shorecrest.org/~thirdgrade/GR3/Darfur/index.htm. The website provides the a historical background, letters to Congress, a podcast interview, personal reflections, fundraising opportunities, and a guestbook. The children have been encouraged to learn as much as possible about the region and the plight of the many children who are being orphaned due to the genocide, which is incomprehensible to many. The Darfur Web site has gained the support of Congress, Amnesty International, and the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Why is it important to involve children in Social studies?

The children are the future and they should be able to empathize and relate to the suffering of children in other countries. By voicing their disagreement with the genocide, they are adding another powerful element to force governments to become more involved in the protection of innocent people. The children are making the adults accountable for their actions by asking for help. This is an excellent study for children to be involved in.

How will this empower the students?

The students have learned that through their efforts of establishing a website, writing letters, drawing pictures, recording a podcast etc, they were recognized by Congress and have gained political recognition. The students should be encouraged to continue their fight on the internet on behalf of the children in Darfur who do not have a voice, and who would be forced to suffer in silence if it were not for people who are prepared to fight for their cause. This experience has informed the children that they have the ability to make changes in the world.