At the end of October, the elementary hallways were brought to life with creative door decorations honoring some of our favorite books. Judges had the extremely challenging task of choosing one door in lower elementary and one door in upper elementary as the winners.
5C had worked tirelessly at school and at home creating a door dedicated to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The students excitedly planned their door decoration, which included a chocolate fountain to represent the chocolate river and a life sized manikin of Willy Wonka himself! When the judges came, 5C eloquently described their door to the judges and awaited the results.
When Ms. Tina came in to announce that 5C had won the contest, their cheers could likely be heard in every classroom on campus! They definitely deserved to win, and now they had the exciting task of determining what to do with the prize: $100!
As a class, 5C discussed possibilities. They came up with ideas that ranged from new books to educational games to a class trip to the movie theaters. 5C also toyed with the idea of donating some or all of the money. After more discussion, and more time, 5C started learning about some amazing organizations right here in Guatemala City that are working hard to make a difference.
They researched Lemonade International, an organization that works to provide, among other things, educational opportunities to children living in La Limonada to keep them off the streets. A number of Inter teachers have worked with this organization and have seen firsthand the difference it’s making in the lives of children living in this dangerous part of the city. 5C was touched by the work being done. If you’re interested in learning more about this organization, check out their website at http://www.lemonadeinternational.org/
5C also learned about Potter’s House, an organization working to improve the lives of children living in the dump in Guatemala. Their goal is to help these children see themselves as treasures, not scavengers. They have a number of projects to support, teach and nourish children living in these challenging circumstances. For more information about this organization, go to their website at http://www.pottershouse.org.gt/
Although 5C could have planned a class field trip to the movies, or bought a few new books for their classroom library, after careful consideration, they decided to donate all of the money to these two amazing organizations.
As their teacher, I couldn’t be prouder of their generous, thoughtful, selfless choice. They had an opportunity to think of themselves and they chose to think bigger. $100 could have enriched our classroom a bit, but they realized that it could go so much further in these two organizations. They realized that they had the perfect opportunity to make a real difference in Guatemala. They also learned that the act of giving can be more rewarding than a reward itself.
To celebrate their generosity, I hosted a pajama party for them, but the real prize is the knowledge that they made a difference and the beautiful feeling that giving leaves with you. I am so proud of my students and I hope they inspire more students to try to make a difference in this beautiful country we live in.
Written by: Rebecca Kramer
Homeroom Teacher 5C