Why We IGC: SPARK Hybrid Education Center
Each month leading up to IGC 2024, we highlight 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 SPARK Hybrid Education Center and teachers Darlene Thiele and Nolan Doffing!
This year is SPARK Hybrid Education Center’s first year participating in the Iron Giraffe Challenge.
Darlene shared, “Even though SPARK Hybrid Education Center in Naples, Florida, only has 30 students, we have raised $6,601 so far and have the 8th highest donations out of 227 participating schools.”
“After reading A Long Walk to Water in October, we wrote fundraising letters and got pledges for our Walk for Water Wednesdays campaign. We also had a speaker named Todd Thompson, who has worked in Africa for 15 years, come to our class and tell us about the beautiful culture and customs in different areas of Africa. He further raised our awareness of the need for clean drinking water in Africa.”
Darlene continued, “We went on a field trip to a place called ECHO Global Farms in Fort Myers, Florida. They work in countries around the world, including Africa, to help bring clean drinking water and also appropriate technology to the villages so the locals can raise their own food, maintain their wells, and sell products to gain income.”
“During our December Student Presentations called ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes,’ students presented different countries, including Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Nigeria. We put up a poster informing the public about our campaign to raise money for Water for South Sudan. One of our students hand-made a model well using only simple materials to collect donations. Even the younger students at SPARK (ages 5-8) donated their piggy bank money. Lastly, I made a deal with the students that I would donate $10 every time they got a 100% on a test; their scores have improved with this extra motivation. :)”
Darlene shared, “We wanted our students to not only help out with the need for clean drinking water in South Sudan but to also gain an appreciation for African culture. Too often, the focus on Africa is on the negative or the needs and not on the rich diversity of geology, language, culture, craftsmanship, and hospitality. We want our students to value and appreciate this wonderful continent.”
We are so inspired by Darlene, Nolan, and the entire SPARK family. Thank you and your students for sharing your time, passion, creativity, and dedication to making a difference in South Sudan.
Join teachers like Darlene and Nolan and register for the Iron Giraffe Challenge today to have fun while making a local and global impact.
