MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Matthew C. Perry High School 8th grade history students learning about the cooperation that takes place between nations, took their lesson one step further by becoming ambassadors to children of Afghanistan recently.
Gunnery Sgt. James Paradowsky, currently deployed to Afghanistan, notified the school of a need for clothing and supplies. Paradowsky has children enrolled in the Perry schools and thought the schools could help gather donations. The students, currently working a lesson on humanitarian aide, decided to make a project of the request.
“It’s teaching them about responsibility,” said Joann Sellers, 8th grade teacher. “It’s also teaching them about sharing and contributing to a country in need.”
Helping the Afghan children is teaching the children another life lesson, self-confidence and self-worth.
“I think it’s cool because we get to do something to help even though we are only kids,” said 13 year-old Sammie Dignazio.
The children are helping out by gathering everyday supplies needed by the Afghani children.
“We’ve been packing clothes, school supplies, bathroom supplies, underclothes, toys, shoes and food,” said Letitia Redick, 13.
Dignazio is helping out even more. “I want to set up a table outside the commissary so that shoppers can donate food that we can send out.”
The school principal sees something that some educators would say is seldom seen in the classroom, eagerness.
“The kids are really eager to do this,” said Alice Berard, principal of Matthew C. Perry High School. “The students are happy to help any way they can. This is the first time any of the students have helped a community outside the local Iwakuni area. I think it’s also nice that the students know they can make a difference.”
To donate items or for more information about helping Afghani children, contact 7th or 8th grade students of U.S. History, World Geography, or stop by Room 202 of Matthew C. Perry High School.