'Sixth Graders Contribute to Africa’s Clean Water Need' 

Submitted by: Stephanie Finley
Sixth Grade Science Teacher at
Stewarts Creek Middle School

Following a series of lessons on Environmental Problems and Solutions, the sixth grade science teachers proposed a challenge to the students to make a difference in the world.  The students were informed of the unclean water crisis in developing areas of the world, such as Africa, that has brought poverty, illness, and death to millions.  Along side Blood:Water Mission, our students became involved in The 1000 Wells Project.  This project would help build a well in Africa and change those statistics.

Our goal for the entire sixth grade was to raise $1,000.  They were presented with a couple of different challenges to help raise money for clean water in Africa.  The first challenge involved making water their only beverage for two weeks, using the money which would have gone toward other beverages as their donation.  The second challenge encouraged students to find an innovative way to raise money, for example, charging people to cut their hair, shooting free throws, or having an art show.  The final challenge was to participate in both.

While the challenges were being discussed, the students also came up with creative ways to raise money.  I was moved by the change in the students’ attitudes towards generosity.  Some students that have after-school jobs, such as cleaning houses and babysitting,  were willing to give up their earnings; others were ready to run until they dropped. Some wanted to have a bake sale, a lemonade stand, or even a car wash.  However, I was most humbled when a student-created petition slid across my desk for me to sign.  The petition was written to ask our principal, Larry Creasy, for permission to host an after school event to raise money for the project.    

As you can guess, the petition was approved and the sixth graders hosted “The 1000 Wells Project Fun Day.”  This event was held after school with the help of dedicated teachers, staff, and parents.  With over 100 students in attendance, the event was filled with games, face painting, concessions, music, and more.  With that event alone, we raised almost $700.  

The Collection Day came and so did the money raised by the students.  Coins, bills, and checks sat in piles on the conference room table.  I was amazed as I sat counting the money.  Our students had gone above and beyond the goal and our expectations.  

So came the BIG announcement day.  We gathered the sixth grade in the auditorium to make known the total that we raised to help build a well in Africa.  Along with the donations raised by students, teachers, and our school’s choir, we raised $2,500.  After an uproar of applause and a couple of pies thrown in our faces (don’t ask!), the sixth grade students at Stewarts Creek Middle School left the auditorium with their heads held high knowing that they helped to change the world one well at a time.