We have been busy in the AGATE 3-4 program here at Suquamish Elementary School.

During our study of Africa, not only have we “traveled” to Africa, created some amazing batik artwork, put together a full musical, but we started a project to encourage the students to start thinking more globally.

Our goal: Explore the possibilities. Create a spark. Inspire change. Transform lives.

AGATE 3-4 wanted to raise money for the organization called Heifer International while raising awareness of need throughout the world for our students. This organization provides gifts of livestock, sustainable farming, empowerment for women and basic needs to African villages and other areas in need, worldwide.  Since this was our first foray into fundraising for a global purpose we had no idea what to expect.

Students studied the website Heifer.org to make some preliminary selections and a general list of themes for where they would want to donate funds.  This was a great opportunity for conversations, both at home and school, about how each gift could effect change and how much money would be needed.

We put together two simple programs: Dollars for Change and Jump for Joy.

Dollars for Change was simply that — dollars brought in by students from extra chores they have done, piggy banks, couch cushions etc.

The second, Jump for Joy, was a pledge drive where students would jump rope for an hour, over the span of two days, to raise money for our cause. Getting the kids moving, having fun and raising money all at the same time

Well, our effort paid off big time! We were amazed with our final tally. With the support of community, family and friends AGATE 3-4 was able to raise more than $2,100.

Each gift goes directly to people in need. It was wonderful to sight to see — the kids humming like a beehive, as they huddled around computers to create our final list of gifts. Below is a list of the categories and the specific gifts that the kids decided upon.

— Animals: Heifer, honeybees, chickens, pig, goat.

— Empowering Women:  Dream basket, send a girl to school, self-help group.

— Basic Needs: Boost of nutrition, clean water, healthy home.

— Sustainable Farming: Gardener’s basket, earth basket, family farm care package, trees, harvest basket.

We were in tears all morning because of how proud we were of the generosity in our community and  culmination of this project … It has been a special year and we thank families of the North Kitsap School District for sharing their children with us each and every day!

Sarah Taylor and Colleen Fairchild
AGATE 3-4 program
Suquamish Elementary School