Plainfield Community School Corporation

Seventh grade students at Plainfield Community Middle School are learning about places in Africa that are troubled with unsanitary water conditions and HIV/AIDS.  They’ve learned that in several African countries, many are without clean drinking water (Kenya -- 41% of the population is without sanitary water, Uganda-- 33%, Ethiopia-- 62%, Zambia-- 40%, and Rwanda 35%).  PCMS 7^th and 8^th grade social studies teacher, Justin Stephens, says, “One of the themes in World Geography is Human-Environment Interaction, and this is a great example of that theme.  The people in Africa have had to adapt to the lack of clean drinking water.  Students will be learning about these current issues that have plagued countries throughout Africa for many years.  But learning about these issues isn’t enough – students want to help.”

With assistance from his 7^th and 8^th grade teaching team, Stephens has put together “Serving for a Purpose” – a volleyball tournament for seventh grade students and teachers to raise money for the “blood:water mission.”  This mission helps build clean water wells all over Africa in addition to opening clinics in sub-Saharan Africa to help those in need.

Stephens says students have responded enthusiastically to the idea.  They have been working in their English classes to create persuasive

advertisements to get other students involved.  7^th grade student/volleyball player, Delaney Slaton, says, “I’m excited to help people through doing something I love (volleyball) in raising money for people who are without clean water, such as my uncle’s mom who lives in Africa.”  Through this service project, students will have the opportunity to create awareness and serve their community in addition to learning why it is so vital that everyone have clean drinking water.  This is one way students can think on a global scale and take what they are learning about in their classrooms into the outside world.

Indiana state standard 7.3.14 wants students to "use a variety of information resources to identify current issues and developments related to the environment in Africa."  Examples they give are hunger and health epidemics.  Having an event such as "Serving for a Purpose" takes issues like this beyond the classroom and gives the students the chance to explore ways to make a difference in the world.  For example, on the “blood:water mission” website, it’s advertised that just $1 gives 1 person in Africa clean water for a year.

“Serving for a Purpose” is scheduled for 7pm on November 22, 2011, at Plainfield Community Middle School.  The tournament will take place in the West Gym.  Tickets are $2 at the door and all proceeds benefit “blood:water mission.”   T-shirts are being sold to raise additional funds, and additional donations will also be accepted.  The top student team of the night will win the opportunity to face off against a team of teachers.  This is something you don’t want to miss!

Photo: Last year the PCMS 8^th grade class raised money for the “blood:water mission” by holding its 3^rd Annual 8^th Grade vs. Faculty Basketball Game.  The charity was chosen to back Miss Rebekah Deal, 7^th and 8^th grade PCMS teacher, who rode her bike for 6 weeks up the west coast during the summer of 2011 raising money and awareness for the same charity.