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A Voice for Children

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Advocacy
Civic Responsibility/Virtue
Civil Society
Common Good
Human Rights
Kindness
Social Justice

Youth learn about basic human rights and discuss whether everyone deserves these rights. In addition, they reflect on examples of human kindness and collective action for the common good.

 

Duration 
PrintOne 45 Minute Session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • describe the importance of respecting all voices in a community.
  • describe the importance of collective action to advance minority viewpoints.
Materials 
  • read-aloud copy of A Haitian Story of Hope: Selavi by Youme
  • displayed copy of handout Simplified Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
  • copies of handout Human Rights and Violations
  •  
Bibliography 
  • Youme.  A Haitian Story of Hope: Selavi.  El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos Press, 2004.  ISBN:  0938317849
  • Simplified Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/edumat/hreduseries/hereandnow/Part-5/8_udhr-abbr.htm
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set

    Share the following quote from some homeless children in Haiti who worked together to build a shelter and an activist radio program to help each other. They were asked what they would like to say to young people in the United States. They said, “Tell them we are here, that we are no less than wealthy children, and that there should be a place for everyone at the table.” Reflect and share thoughts and interpretations of the quote.

  2. Brainstorm youth ideas of rights to which all children are entitled. Make a list.

  3. Show the document below called Simplified Universal Declaration of Human Rights and read through the list. Talk about which ones seem absolute, which seem hard to maintain, and which are surprising. 

  4. Distribute scissors and the handout Human Rights and Violations to each individual or small group. They cut apart the boxes in the right column listing violations of rights from the book you are about to read. As you are reading them a true story about children who did not have these human rights, they can be matching rights with the violations these children faced. Show the location of Haiti on a map.

  5. Read A Haitian Story of Hope: Selavi by Youme. 

    • Which aspect(s) of this true experience made the greatest impact upon you? Why?
    • Who were the “angry faces,” and why were the children arbitrarily arrested and burned from their homes?
    • Reflect on the hope within this story. What examples of taking action for justice are there?
    • What are the messages Selavi’s family wants to share and why?
    • Discuss the references to the “mighty river.” What do you think is the meaning of this term?

  7. How can young people work together to create a more civil society? Brainstorm ideas for service and advocacy they can do.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures intended for the common good throughout history and around the world. Give examples.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Examine several examples of philanthropic traditions practiced in diverse cultures.
      2. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      3. Benchmark MS.4 Identify civil society organizations that protect and speak for minority viewpoints.
      4. Benchmark MS.5 Discuss examples of groups denied their rights in history.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.