Lesson compels Hannibal global history students to action
What began as a lesson about humanitarianism at Hannibal High School quickly evolved into a student-initiated fundraising campaign for Save the Children.
According to global history teacher Edmund Barrington, students were compelled to action after studying the Yemeni Civil War and its impact on the people of that region. For the students, learning about the horrific realities of the war – a death toll approaching 60,000 people – was a life-altering lesson.
“They saw the impact of war, loss of parents, disease and starvation,” Barrington said. “Many of the students were moved by this story and became motivated to do something to help those kids directly.”
After exploring several options, students selected Save the Children, a charity that focuses on helping children around the world in need, including those in Yemen.
“I'm immensely proud of how my students demonstrated determination to take real action,” Barrington said. “I hope that these ninth-graders realize the power that they have to make positive change in the world. We may not be able to stop wars, but we can help those most vulnerable by spreading kindness and compassion.”
So far, the Hannibal Central School District community has raised nearly $700 for the charity through a GoFundMe account. To make a donation, or to learn more about the campaign, please visit https://bit.ly/2HX2WMa