February 18, 2009
Gracefield Hosts Anti-Poverty Forum
The United Nations estimates that more than one billion people worldwide still survive on less than one dollar a day.
Gracefield Public School students believe that number is unacceptable, and on Thursday, February 26, students will add their support to the campaign to eradicate poverty by 2015 at the school’s Youth Action Symposium. The Symposium will showcase the numerous projects, research, art work and creative writing that students have done to support the United Nations Millennium Campaign. During the symposium, there will be choral presentations, slide shows and students presentations highlighting students’ vision for the future.
In November, 2008, several Gracefield teachers attended a conference where Stephen Lewis, a humanitarian and former Special Envoy to the United Nations, spoke about the struggles facing many communities and countries across the globe. “Mr. Lewis challenged us as teachers to use the classroom to increase students’ knowledge of current events and help them develop a sense of social concern and global citizenship,” says Susan Plat, Gracefield Teacher.
“As a response to Mr. Lewis’ challenge, Gracefield has become involved in the United Nations Millennium campaign,” says Barbara Morris, Gracefield Teacher.
Over the next few months, Gracefield students will host a number of different fundraising events to combat poverty. Progress will be measured by a thermometer placed near the school’s entrance. Towards the end of the school year, the students will decide which organizations will benefit from their philanthropic efforts.
For more information about the United Nations Millennium Campaign, please log on to www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/mdgs/flash/index.asp.
Gracefield Public School is located at 117 Bayview Drive in St. Catharines.