Hunger Walk/Run 2010

This weekend was the 26th annual hunger walk/run in Downtown Atlanta. Such events raise money and awareness about fighting diseases, poverty, and in this case, hunger.


THOUSANDS of Georgians showed their support for organizations that lead the fight to end hunger in our communities. Listed below are the organizations that, because of the fundraiser, will be able to continue their commitments to feed our fellow Atlantans.

Atlanta Community Food Bank
Episcopal Charities Foundation
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Lutheran Services of Georgia
Presbyterian Answer to Hunger (PATH)
St. Vincent de Paul Foundation

We will learn more about hunger and poverty this week in our series of lessons on the Millennium Development Goals. Think about ways you can make a dent in hunger in your community and around the world.



photo by BOB ANDRES

Stay Tuned

Unfortunately, we could not come to classes today because of your testing schedules (Good luck on Wednesday!). That doesn't mean, however, that you can forget all about human rights this week. Explore UNICEF's Voices of Youth page and find out how kids all over the world are taking responsibility for the changes they hope to see. It will inspire you and hopefully reinforce some of the information we've shared with you in the past.

Last year, CPE students made podcasts to inform others about the threat of global warming. How could you use media and other resources to educate others about the MDGs? Think of who you want to educate about one of the goals, and imagine what you think they should know about the related issue. (Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section.)

We won't be able to see you again until after you're done taking the ITBS tests. We'll also be able to come during intersession, we will be at CPE during the break, and we certainly hope to see you. Be sure to turn in your journal assignments by Friday to Ms. Searls (or email them to us at cpe.network@gmail.com). You can find online versions of the journal and notes handouts on the Lesson Materials page.

Student Action

Iqbal Masih and the students he inspired to take action are each examples of the power children have to bring about change. Like the kids in the video, I'm sure you've all heard that "children are to be seen and not heard." Sometimes people don't value ideas and opinions coming from kids just because it's coming from kids. But that shouldn't stop you from acting on your beliefs.

This week we wanted to inspire you. We wanted you to be motivated to learn about the conditions of living children around the world face. By studying the Millennium Development Goals, we will explore the state of the world's children. We begin by explaining just what the MDGs are, and by outlining each of the goals which we will delve further into in the coming weeks.

What are the Millennium Development Goals? In 2000, world leaders met at the United Nations in New York to talk about the future. Hoping to achieve continued prosperity and to extend the benefits of economic growth to developing countries struggling with poverty, conflict and environmental degradation, the leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals. If achieved, the eight goals outlined below will secure a vibrant and healthy future for children by removing many of the major obstacles to economic development.

1. End extreme poverty and hunger
   
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
   
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Establish a global partnership for development

How do you think problems like poverty, lack of education and proper healthcare prevent countries from growing economically? All of these goals are necessary for shared prosperity and growth, but which one would you argue is most important to tackle? Why? Which problems directly affect your community (Atlanta/ the metro area)? How could we, as a school, take action to help achieve this goal? For ideas, go here (or here) and download the guide at the bottom of the page. Make sure your ideas are practical -- they are actions we can actually do within the next few months -- and are inexpensive.