Why We IGC: Loveland Intermediate School
Each month leading up to IGC 2024, we are highlighting the educators and schools that have been instrumental in inspiring and motivating their students to support clean water projects in South Sudan. Next up is another long-time supporter, Loveland Intermediate School and 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher Jennifer Kirby!
Loveland Intermediate School has participated in the Iron Giraffe Challenge since the 2014-2015 school year. As a result, they have raised over $83,000 (including this year's money) and have helped drill 9 wells (soon to be 10!).
Jennifer shared, “My own children read A Long Walk to Water with their school and did a walk. I read the book along with one of my kids and was inspired. I spoke to one of the teachers in charge of the project at their school, Columbia Intermediate in Kings Local School District, and she helped me with ideas to get the project started at my school.”
“While 6th graders are aware that there are people in the world who are not as fortunate as they are and live life differently, reading the book helped students make a connection to someone and made it more real. Salva's story really came alive for them and made them want to help people like him in South Sudan.“
“It is an amazing moment to see all of my students touched by someone else’s story on such a deep level and then want to do something to help. What more could I ask for as an ELA teacher?”
Jennifer shared that Loveland Intermediate School hosts a Walk for Water Day every year, and they recently held their 10th walk last Friday.
“‘Walk for Water’ day is a whole day devoted to lessons and activities about the water crisis and South Sudan. Our whole grade level participates. It also includes a 2-3 mile walk during which each student carries a gallon jug of water. After the walk, we also donate the water to a charity to be used for relief efforts. We kick off our "Walk for Water" about a week ahead of time, and students get donations to sponsor them in the walk. So far this year, we have collected over $10,000.”
“Reading A Long Walk to Water, participating in the IGC, and completing our Walk for Water Day every fall is my favorite thing that we do at my school. ”
“My students have learned many lessons from reading A Long Walk to Water and participating in our "Walk for Water" day to raise money for the IGC. Through reading the book, they learned about perseverance, the importance of family, and the qualities that make a good leader. Through our Walk Day and study of the water crisis, students say they learned to be grateful for what they have, to understand that people may be going through struggles we don't know about, to try to do something to reduce their water footprint, and most of all, that they CAN do something to make a difference!“
We are so inspired by Jennifer and the entire Loveland Intermediate School family. Thank you and your students for sharing your time, passion, creativity, and dedication to making a difference in South Sudan.
Join teachers like Jennifer and register for the Iron Giraffe Challenge today to have fun while making a local and global impact.
