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OH SAY Project
(Operation Help South
African Youth)
2003-2004 School Year
OH
SAY PROJECT RAISES FUNDING FOR SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH
Redford,
Michigan
Visiting Mr. Scott Edwards and Ms. Lisa DelVecchio’s 7th
grade social studies class was truly an opportunity to witness an amazing act
of kindness and pure inspiration. This group of highly motivated and caring
young people are making a difference in the world.
When the 7th grade students in Mr. Edwards and Ms. DelVecchio’s
classroom began their unit on Africa, they were unaware of the impact the
lessons would have on them. The students were presented with facts and shown
the data on the impact the AIDS crisis has had on South Africa. One assignment
included writing a persuasive essay on the topic of whether or not the United
States should send more aid to South Africa. Lisa DelVecchio, social studies
teacher comments, “After the students turned in their essays, we showed them
the video of Oprah in South Africa, and the students were very moved by the
film. I even had tears in my eyes.” Many students changed their views after seeing the video and
classroom discussion prompted students to ask what they could do to
help.
DelVecchio
continues, “we held a meeting after school to continue brainstorming for
ideas and the room was literally packed with students.” With
the help and guidance of Mr. Edwards, students began to research the project
further. A core group of students emerged and one young girl, Jessica Taylor,
became the spearhead for the project. Mr. Edwards comments, “Jessica was
very instrumental in keeping the group focused with her enthusiasm. Jessica
researched many of the organizations in need of help and selected the
organization that would be receiving the funding.”
Additional meetings brought out the class leaders as they formed a
working team. Mr. Edwards asked the students about a name and suggested OH
SAY: Operation Help South Africa's Youth. Students worked to refine the goals
and strategies to carry out their plan. Jessica Taylor worked with Mr. Edwards
and chose the final group to receive funds. Once all the research and
organizational planning was complete, fundraising began. The OH SAY committee
targeted students, teachers, and staff from Pierce Middle School.
They sold chips and candy during class on special days and collected
money during lunch and in a little over 3 weeks exceeded their thousand-dollar
goal with a total of $1,011.55.
One committee member commented, “Everyone benefited; the students in Africa
from the funds and the students at Pierce experienced the how great it feels
to help others.”
Mr. Edwards’s goal for his students through this experience was to
create a sense and desire to help others and get involved in community
service. Students in Mr. Edwards class reached their goal and have set the
foundation for many future endeavors of community service. These highly
motivated young people are truly dedicated to helping others. Their
involvement will make a difference in the lives of many young children in
South Africa as well as their own their own.
Special thanks and acknowledgments to Jessica Taylor for her contributions to
this project, Jessica moved and was not available for the photograph.
The OH SAY group held their final meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2004.
For additional comments contact Mr. Edwards at edwasc01@southredford.net
or at Pierce Middle School 313-535-4000
ext. 1715.
Funds
raised went to the Lambano Sanctuary, it is a facility in South Africa that
cares for children who have been orphaned, primarily because of HIV/AIDS. View
the Lambano Sanctuary web site to see comments about Pierce funding
at: http://www.lambano.org.za/highlights.htm
Standing from left to right: Ms. DelVecchio, Allie
Rochon, Jessica McBay, Ashlie Rone,
Samar Jarrous, James Thornton, Mr. Edwards. Kneeling: Terri Jones and
Erynn Daum
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