Mrs Greenwood (Head of Philosophy and Religion)

In their Philosophy and Religion lessons, Year 8 students have been learning about world poverty. Over the last couple of weeks, they have been designing their own charities aimed at reducing poverty through targeted initiatives that would support individuals in a particular country.

The students had to use their previous work on the causes of poverty as their inspiration to design innovative solutions to support others, as well as considering fund raising and marketing ideas to promote their cause. Final ideas included teaching people in the Democratic Republic of Congo how to mine for precious metals and make jewellery; boarding schools for adults to learn a trade; sponsorship of hospitals in Mozambique and a non-profit clothing store who fund vaccinations for people in Liberia.

One of the charities designed was called Mine for Money, and Aryaana Rafi, 8RAJ explained the concept: “The aim was to educate local miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the art of jewellery crafting so that they can earn a good salary for themselves. I really enjoyed doing this project because it has educated me about Congo and the financial problems that its residents face, with 72% of the population living in extreme poverty. It was also really interesting to think through some of the challenges of developing a charity and finding creative solutions.”