Educating for Humanity & The World We Want from Mike Seymour on Vimeo.

As the culminating project for "Hope in the Emerging World" through Heritage Institute, colleagues Kelly Simpson and Heather Burden engaged their students at Hazelbrook Middle School by connecting them with the Global Oneness Project.

With directions to research a universal problem and seek a solution to the issue, students were encouraged to present an action plan to their peers demonstrating what they will do in order to make the world a better place. The children benefited from becoming involved with worldly problems and seeking solutions to universal issues as they envisioned themselves as leaders that sought solutions for the greater good.

Students were particularly interested in a gang resistance program in Mexico which led to discussions about the gang issues that the students face. This gave us the opportunity to pinpoint alternatives to getting in trouble and defacing our community. Through this experience students, gained self confidence as well as a sense of community, knowing that they are not alone in the gang problem.

Ms. Simpson and Mrs. Burden intend to continue whetting the appetites of their young charges by including additional extension activities so students can see their goals. Students also shared that they want to feel safe after school so one goal for the upcoming school year is to complete a mural for the community. Jill Chapman, our School Resource Officer, a liaison from the police department has volunteered to assist with the mural project as well.

Kelly Simpson plans to increase involvement in this Global Oneness Project within her school and will team with Heather Burden to expand the project concepts in an elementary and an alternative secondary school within the district. The two colleagues have plans to organize volunteers at their schools to create a peace garden which students will nurture while plants blossom and mature into a bounty of successful team activities that will benefit the community.

 The Global Oneness project was awesome....The kids did a great job of presenting their projects and showing enthusiasm for their learning!!  WAY TO GO!!!!   Y'ALL ROCK!