BMS Hope2Our Sudan Well Project

For approximately two months Mrs. Vandygriff’s 8th grade English classes at Berkeley Middle School has been working on text structure and nonfiction characteristics via the study of a Nonfiction Narrative book entitled, A Long Walk To Water. This book chronicles the hardships of two main characters in South Sudan: Nya, who takes a half day’s walk every day just to get water and Salva, who was separated from his family because of war at the age of 12 and took it upon himself to lead 1,200 boys to safety 7 years later. Getting good, clean water is a challenge that both characters face, often times leading to sickness and even death. Fortunately, there is a group of individuals trying to combat the inaccessibility of water called “Water for South Sudan”. They are building wells in these remote places which totally changes things! Not only do these communities have fresh water now, the community has life! Because of the water, little girls – who traditionally spend their days getting water – are able to go to school now. Communities are attracting businesses that grow their economy and strengthen the community's chances of becoming self-sustaining. Lastly, warring tribes are coming together in peace as they both use and maintain the wells.

The students learned a great deal about text structures and international affairs, but what surprised the teachers was the affective character traits that students were beginning to display. Before we even finished the book students begin questioning how South Sudan came to be this way and what they could do to help (Just the type of critical thinking our schools wish to foster!). Our class decided to take action! They came up with the H2O Project (Hope 2 OUR Sudan). They thought it was important that we see our neighbor’s needs as extensions of our own and help any way we can. Yes, Sudan is a neighbor to them! They put together a marketing plan, came up with a class objective, and set a monetary goal for the project. We created informative pamphlets and PSA videos to spread the word and ask people to donate to our cause. We seek to raise $5,000 to build a well that will bring LIFE to a community in Sudan. It is our hope that you will join our efforts by doing three things: donating to our “Wishing Well,” telling others in your community about the effects of not having access to clean water and what they can do to help, and be cognizant of how you use clean water. It’s a precious resource that not all people have. Let’s not take it for granted.

These 8th graders decided to work hard, be socially conscious, and use their critical thinking skills to help others. As educators, we want to reward that behavior and help out. Please, help us show our students that they can make a difference! Donate!