Grade Four Supports Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts
By Brian Fawcett, Grade 4 teacher
On Monday morning I was a bit apprehensive as to how fourth grade students would react this week - I expected neediness, immaturity and discipline issues. What I discovered is that these children are a lot more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for. After the initial stories of "Where were you...", our conversations turned to community members affected by the earthquake. In particular, they wanted to know how our friend Bijay (school gardener/farmer) had fared. As you may know, over the last couple of years fourth graders have established a relationship with Bijay and his family at Okhar Pauwa through our Explore Nepal program. He told me that his family member's homes had been destroyed and the entire area near his farm had suffered major damage. He is working with a committee of local people to gather and deliver food, water, medicine and shelters as well as assistance and material for rebuilding. I shared this information with the students and they immediately wanted to help. When I suggested that we donate the funds raised from our vegetable sales they approved wholeheartedly.
Given all that has happened and the magnitude of this disaster, this is one way that fourth grade students can really and truly make a difference in helping Nepalis rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. I feel confident when I say that these children will remember this for the rest of their lives.
Given all that has happened and the magnitude of this disaster, this is one way that fourth grade students can really and truly make a difference in helping Nepalis rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. I feel confident when I say that these children will remember this for the rest of their lives.
