As part of the six IB transdisciplinary themes, ‘sharing the planet’ and ‘how we manage ourselves’ are the current focus of PYP students at ASJ. We tried to find out more about how we share finite resources with other people, as well as how we handle challenges when they go beyond one man’s limit, by utilizing the systems and organizations. With these thoughts in mind, teachers and students directed our attention to charitable activities.
The Charity Sale Day event was planned by the English subject group, and carried out by all Grade 6 students. The purpose of this event was to raise funds for underprivileged children in the city of Guangzhou.
The Grade 6 students were very well prepared for this event. They set up a mini market at the side of the basketball court which included five snack booths to provide snacks and drinks to all fellow ASJ schoolmates and teachers. All the food and drinks were prepared by students themselves.
The snack booths provided snacks with rich variety, including salad, cold noodles, roasted chicken wings, waffles, mini cakes, homemade honey lemon soda, and much more! Students from primary and secondary years had shown great enthusiasm for all the snack options, they were even willing to queue at the booth while waiting for booth owners to restock their merchandise!
The charity sale market only opened briefly for less than an hour during the lunch break time, but the result for students was not minor. During the accounting session after the event, we were suprised to notice that we have raised over 5000 RMB from the charity sale alone! This is a clear indication that ASJ students had a great passion for charitable work.
The Charity Sale Day event is the third and final component of the PYP English Charity Project. Looking back, the Grade 6 students has made a long way from an introduction PowerPoint slide for underprivileged children to a series of successful fundraising activities. Every step of the way, we have enjoyed it with all of our hearts! From the Funky Feet, to the Pajamas Day, and finally the Charity Sale Day, our students have shown us their understanding of dedication, perseverance, as well as compassion for the needy ones.
The PYP English Charity Project was an extended activity of the second unit of grade 6 English learning. The entire project included three activities, ‘the Funky Feet’ donation day, ‘the Pajamas Day’ charity activity, and ‘The Charity Sale Day’ activity. Through the series of activities, we hoped our students could understand and experience the hardship of people in need, as well as the challenges they would face when working in a group to accomplish one common goal.
On November 12th, Peng Wei, Secretary General of Guangzhou Wilber Foundation visited ASJ to receive the funds. ASJ students left a deep impression on her even though they only spent an afternoon together. "ASJ students are very active and observant, and what's more incredible to me is that they are brave to express themselves."
According to Peng, the funds raised from the entire PYP English Charity Project would be donated for underprivileged children. All ASJ students and staff hope that the money would help those in need to get through a tough time, and give them hope in times when they need it the most.