Dan Eldon was an activist, artist and photojournalist. Bring classrooms to life with MY HERO's Multimedia Resources and Lesson Plan for Teachers - includes discussion guide and learning outcomes.
Dan Eldon (September 18, 1970 - July 12, 1993)
Dan was a passionate activist, artist and photo journalist. He was fearless in his quest to help others and in his desire to tell the stories that others were not. Sadly at the age of twenty-two, Dan was killed while working as a photojournalist in Somalia. His work has appeared in several art journals and exhibitions, inspiring people around the world.
Every year, as part of the MY HERO International Film Festival, Dan's mother Kathy Eldon presents the Dan Eldon Activist Award to the filmmaker who best uses media to effect positive change.
Students watch these featured films about Dan Eldon and consider the discussion questions and activities.
MY HERO Suggested Video
Dan Eldon: The Original "Creative Activist" (2018) by Creative Visions Media
Amy Eldon Turteltaub about her brother, the man behind the myth.
A moving film about Dan Eldon, an artist, photojournalist and humanitarian who was killed on assignment in 1993 when he was only 22 years old (6:06 minutes)
Dan Eldon was a photojournalist who used his creativity to effect positive change for those in need. (6:02 minutes)
Students read the featured stories about Dan Eldon and consider the discussion questions and activities.
One story is available in text and audio for ESL students.
Dan & Amy Eldon are not only Kathy Eldon's children; they are also her heroes.
The following story has an audio link that allows students to listen to the story as they read.
Dan Eldon inspired Kathy Eldon with his art, his poetry and his life.
1. Dan Eldon had the spirit of compassion and worked to help others. Who in your family or community is working to help others? Share his or her story with MY HERO.
2. Some people told Dan Eldon that he was too young to make a difference, but he proved them wrong. What is a cause you believe in? How can you help? Create an action plan and share your journey with MY HERO.
3. Start your own journal. Include photographs, drawings, words and artifacts that reflect what is important to you.
4. Who is a photojournalist or activist who inspires you? Share his or her story with MY HERO.
Dan Eldon was an extremely talented young artist who combined a unique vision of Africa with a keen self-awareness. These collages are a testament to the influence of African culture and politics on Dan's personal journey from teen to young man. Through the use of symbols, masks and photo elements, the viewer is taken to the places that Dan witnessed during his formative years.
Students analyze Dan Eldon's art. What story are the pieces telling? Why did he chose to include the images he did in his collages?
Students create a collage representing themselves, one of their heroes or an issue important to them to submit to the MY HERO Gallery.
Dan Eldon (1970–1993) was an international photojournalist, artist and activist killed in Somalia on assignment. His journals show his art and global ideas.
A page from the late young hero Dan Eldon's journal pages. His collages remain proof of his global vision.
Dan Eldon's illustrated journals reveal a passion for art and respect for Africa.
Collage pages from the journals of Dan Eldon, the late young hero and photojournalist killed on assignment in Somalia in 1993.
This image from Dan Eldon's journal pages collages a photo of Musa Mwariama and Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta in 1963 after Independence.
Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.
Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.
Students will identify someone in their own community who inspires them by making a difference. Students will have the opportunity to create an action plan and work on an issue that is important to them. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they compare text, film and art. Students will see how one person, no matter what age, can make a difference.
Students: Submit Your Film to The Dan Eldon Activist Award
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The Dan Eldon lesson plan was created by MY HERO Teacher and Learning Circle Director Laura Nietzer. |
Related Links to Learn More about the Inspiring Life of Dan Eldon
Dan Eldon's mother Kathy Eldon founded the Creative Visions Foundation to keep alive continue Dan's creative spark and help a new generation of creative activists create positive change in the world.
Rock Your World shines a light on portions of The Journey is the Destination and provides accompanying activities to extend one’s learning about important issues that the film addresses.
THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION is based on the remarkable true story of the life of Dan Eldon.
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Organizer created on 8/3/2019 5:03:14 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 7/12/2022 11:08:02 AM by Laura Nietzer
