"Helping others is a great way to begin the new year. Teaching our children the fulfillment of helping others and learning about our vast world and cultures is an excellent way to start the year." Mrs. Cid and partner teacher Ms. Corrie and their first and second graders sent this bit of inspiration to parents as they began what Mrs. Cid called a "mini take action."
"We asked our kids and parents to find one or more small toys that could be donated to a child in Africa. Sort through toy bins and collections at home and find a few items. Make a bracelet, spend a small amount of allowance or piggy bank money to bring in something that can be a part of our mini-take action project."
In typical Aveson fashion, kids and parents responded with great enthusiasm. Mrs. Cid's classroom was overflowing with donations.
Mrs. Cid was invited by her good friend Dr. Kim Shriner to help with a special project. In mid-February, Dr. Shriner embarked on a journey to Africa with her group, the Phil Simon Tanzania Project (PSCTP). According to the PSCTP website, “For the last 12 years, PSCTP has been providing medical, surgical, academic, social work and infrastructure services to the East African communities of Arusha, Kisongo Village and Ngorongoro. This year, Dr. Shriner has assembled one of the project’s largest teams to make the 10,000 mile journey to the clinics in the shadows of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.”
Dr. Shriner carefully selects a specialized team of people. This year’s team included a pediatrician, who saw an estimated 300 children in the clinics and surgical wards during this trip.
As a part of the project, PSCTP needed small toys that could be packed and taken along as gifts for the children who will be seen at the clinics visited. Dr. Shriner gave Aveson the opportunity to volunteer and support the project by overseeing the collection of toys for the Tanzanian children.
Mrs. Cid's students also used this opportunity to develop themselves as global learners. They Investigated the World of Tanzania by learning all about Tanzania’s geography and culture. Tanzania is among the poorest nations of the world, and by investigating its culture Aveson students developed a global perspective and asked thoughtful questions about their take action efforts. This project might even spark future action locally. Finally, students communicated their ideas through discussion and reflection.
Mrs. Cid is very proud of her students and her community. Look for more on this group’s story of community activism and global outreach at our end of the year Celebration of Learning.
To learn more about the Phil Simon Clinic Tanzania Project, please visit their website.