Students read about youth environmental activists and how they have made a difference, then consider the discussion questions.
Young Olivia loves birds, and created over 500 paintings of her feathered friends to raise funds for Audubon's bird rescue. (Running Time - 6:45 minutes)
2. Research issues in your community. What can you and your peers do? Share your story.
3. Share the story of environmental heroes in your community with MY HERO.
Learn about Mohamed Sidibay and Mendy Kanu, two young activists working for better access to education for all youth.
Mohamed Sidibay is a survivor of a horrific civil war in Sierra Leone, where he was forced to fight as a child soldier. Now he advocates for better access to education worldwide. (2:48 min)
Mendy Kanu started the Children's Foundation of Technology in Sierra Leone to bring education to children in poverty. Listen to his students' song. (4:32 minutes)
Students learn about Malala Yousafzai by reading the following stories, analyzing the artwork and watching the film trailer.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls' education and the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala Yousafzai speaks out for the rights of girls to have an education. This story has both text and audio.
Malala the young activist who champions girls' education worldwide is painted by Marilyn Huerta
Malala has really impressed this student with her bravery and unselfish nature. She acts courageously to help other young women
HE NAMED ME MALALA is a portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai.
2. Mendy Kanu saw a need in his community and started the Children's Foundation of Technology in Sierra Leone for impoverished children. Do you know of other people bringing education to children in need? Share their story with MY HERO.
3. What can you do to ensure that all children have access to education? Research places in need, create an action plan and share your story with MY HERO.
Students read the story about Iqbal Masih, a child from Pakistan who was sold into slavery by his father when he was 4 and escaped slavery at the age of 10. He began speaking internationally and was awarded the Reebok Human Rights Youth Award when he was 12 years old.
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws in Pakistan.
Iqbal Masih was a Pakistani Christian boy who became a symbol of abusive child labour in the developing world
Students read the story about Samantha Smith, a grade school student and peace activist. Then analyze the portrait by Robert Shetterly, noticing the text used in the portrait.
Story about Samantha Smith.
Samantha Reed Smith (June 29, 1972 – August 25, 1985) was an American girl who became known as "America's Youngest Ambassador" in the United States and the "Goodwill Ambassador" in the Soviet Union during her short lifetime.
She wrote : "If we could be friends by just getting to know each other better, then what are our countries really arguing about? Nothing could be more important than not having a war if a war could kill everything."
Grade school student and peace activist, (1972 - 1985) Samantha was just 10 years old when she wrote the premier of the Soviet Union to ask him about his intentions for waging war. Yuri Andropov invited her to visit the Soviet Union and the success of her trip launched a 3 year odyssey of traveling the world, advocating for peace. Tragically, she and her father were killed in a plane wreck while returning home after one of their numerous peace missions.
Students read the story to learn about Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old when an American atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima near her home. Sadako inspired an international peace movement. Then analyze the artwork noticing the use of text.
Sadako Sasaki inspired an international peace movement.
Sadako Sasaki was a Japanese girl who was two years old when an American atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, near her home next to the Misasa Bridge.
2. Which of these causes is important to you: climate change, ending child slavery, global peace, access to education for all, or another global issue? Research others working towards a solution and share their story with MY HERO.
3. Identify an issue that is important to you or your community. What can you do? Create an action plan, get others involved and share the story of your efforts with MY HERO.
Students Learn about Climate Youth Activist and Filmmaker Slater Jewell-Kemker by reading the story, analyzing the poster and watching the film.
Slater Jewell-Kemker is an award-winning student reporter and filmmaker who works for a better environment and for peace.
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
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 can submit their films for free with a waiver to the MY HERO International Film Festival.
Tutorial for students
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Organizer created on 6/22/2021 5:32:13 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 6/22/2021 5:32:52 PM by Laura Nietzer
