Taking Action to Assist Syrian Refugees
Syrian children in refugee camp school
Introduction: What you do matters
One of the dangers of modern media is that students may think that the world is a horrible place that is too complicated and too big to do anything about. Likewise, they may not know that there are strategies at their disposal to reach out for others. Given that, we encourage you to involve your class in one of the following optional activities that will empower them to be agents of change and hope. Complete the educational circle by taking the material from their heads, to their hearts, to ultimately, their hands. (Before starting however, it is highly recommended that you first check with your principal or supervisor before undertaking any of these opportunities.
One of the dangers of modern media is that students may think that the world is a horrible place that is too complicated and too big to do anything about. Likewise, they may not know that there are strategies at their disposal to reach out for others. Given that, we encourage you to involve your class in one of the following optional activities that will empower them to be agents of change and hope. Complete the educational circle by taking the material from their heads, to their hearts, to ultimately, their hands. (Before starting however, it is highly recommended that you first check with your principal or supervisor before undertaking any of these opportunities.
For Inspiration: Don’t just “admire the problem”
One challenge of learning about human rights abuses is that after doing so, your students might feel helpless or even depressed. Given that, it is important to remind them that it is possible to follow the example of others who have done something about the problem of Syria and its refugees. To get started with some inspiration, play the I Am Syria introductory video, the documentary trailer for the White Helmets rescue group; or the NBC News video on the wonderful “Toy Smuggle from Aleppo”.
One challenge of learning about human rights abuses is that after doing so, your students might feel helpless or even depressed. Given that, it is important to remind them that it is possible to follow the example of others who have done something about the problem of Syria and its refugees. To get started with some inspiration, play the I Am Syria introductory video, the documentary trailer for the White Helmets rescue group; or the NBC News video on the wonderful “Toy Smuggle from Aleppo”.
Fundraising Ideas to help Syrian refugees:
By taking part in one of the activities listed below, your students can make an important statement of compassion and hope. We recommend sending any donations to the International Rescue Committee's Fund for Syrian Refugees--one of the most trusted groups that was formed after the Holocaust.
You can also examine the work of other great humanitarian groups described in How to Help in Syria, by Alessandria Masi; or, How to help Syrian refugees by WGBG News. You may also consider donating to Save the Children’s efforts to provide schooling for the thousands of Syrian children who are in refugee camps.
Some Basic Ideas to get your students involved:
1) Walkathon: Have your students walk three miles after school, getting pledges from their friends and family to do so.
2) Shoe Drive: Classes can bring in a pair of gently-used shoes to donate to a local refugee center in your area.
3) Day of Silence: Stand up for refugees who don't have a voice by encouraging your students to give up talking or using their phones for 24 hours--getting pledges from their friends and family to do so.
4) Social Media Party: Meet after school or at lunch to share information--see the block below for details!
5) Loose Change Drive or Bake Sales: Old School but still so effective!
6) Tour a local refugee center to learn more, bringing donations that they might need.
7) Skype with a I Am Syria staff member--we'd be happy to help you learn more and help you take action!
8) You can also see some other great options by going to TeachUnicef's How to Organize a School Fundraiser for Syria.
By taking part in one of the activities listed below, your students can make an important statement of compassion and hope. We recommend sending any donations to the International Rescue Committee's Fund for Syrian Refugees--one of the most trusted groups that was formed after the Holocaust.
You can also examine the work of other great humanitarian groups described in How to Help in Syria, by Alessandria Masi; or, How to help Syrian refugees by WGBG News. You may also consider donating to Save the Children’s efforts to provide schooling for the thousands of Syrian children who are in refugee camps.
Some Basic Ideas to get your students involved:
1) Walkathon: Have your students walk three miles after school, getting pledges from their friends and family to do so.
2) Shoe Drive: Classes can bring in a pair of gently-used shoes to donate to a local refugee center in your area.
3) Day of Silence: Stand up for refugees who don't have a voice by encouraging your students to give up talking or using their phones for 24 hours--getting pledges from their friends and family to do so.
4) Social Media Party: Meet after school or at lunch to share information--see the block below for details!
5) Loose Change Drive or Bake Sales: Old School but still so effective!
6) Tour a local refugee center to learn more, bringing donations that they might need.
7) Skype with a I Am Syria staff member--we'd be happy to help you learn more and help you take action!
8) You can also see some other great options by going to TeachUnicef's How to Organize a School Fundraiser for Syria.
Raising Awareness through Social Media:
1) Play the I Am Syria introductory video. Have some printable "I Am Syria" signs for your students to hold and take pictures of to share on Social Media at their discretion.
2) Have your students use their cell-phones to post a clip from our Video Guide on any of the Social Media sites they follow, encouraging their friends to do the same.
3) They can also promote other organizations that talk about Syria, including I Am Syria on Facebook or Twitter, as well as the U.N. Refugee Agency or the International Rescue Committee's Fund for Syria.
1) Play the I Am Syria introductory video. Have some printable "I Am Syria" signs for your students to hold and take pictures of to share on Social Media at their discretion.
2) Have your students use their cell-phones to post a clip from our Video Guide on any of the Social Media sites they follow, encouraging their friends to do the same.
3) They can also promote other organizations that talk about Syria, including I Am Syria on Facebook or Twitter, as well as the U.N. Refugee Agency or the International Rescue Committee's Fund for Syria.
Putting pressure on worldwide decision makers:
Send a group email to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, encouraging him to do more to end the crisis and help its refugee population.
You may also want to offer your students the opportunity to email or call their federal legislators or President Obama after class to do the same. Click here for how to find your federal legislators' contact information; as well as for the White House.
Send a group email to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, encouraging him to do more to end the crisis and help its refugee population.
You may also want to offer your students the opportunity to email or call their federal legislators or President Obama after class to do the same. Click here for how to find your federal legislators' contact information; as well as for the White House.