Students are eager to help others

from the Indianapolis Star

By Melanie D. Hayes

Some Carmel Elementary third-graders have decided they aren't too young to try to change the world. And they have joined forces with one of the most influential people who try to make a difference every day -- Oprah Winfrey.

The television host's Oprah's Angel Network and Free the Children have created O Ambassadors, a school-based program to help raise awareness about global issues and encourage kids to be leaders, said Ashley Aletto, a club sponsor.

Carmel Elementary applied and joined the program last fall -- the year the program started. Each school is assigned one of five world regions, and Carmel got East Africa.

To get in the club, third-graders had to submit a two-page application essay about why they wanted to join. All 37 students in Aletto's and Stephanie Borlik's classrooms who applied were accepted and formed a chapter.

Members dedicate an hour every Tuesday after school to it.

"We teach them about East Africa, and within that, we teach them about poverty, health, education and sustainable development," Aletto said. "We analyze pictures, show videos, read stories and do activities. We look at the differences in their lives and ours.

"For example, in East Africa, girls don't get as many privileges. In school, they can't speak. So one time, the girls couldn't say anything in our class to make them see what it would be like."

The club has been raising money throughout the year to send to Free the Children, which will use it to help kids in East Africa.

The local O Ambassadors also have organized a three-hour, end-of-the-school-year fair, Carmel's Big Give Carnival. Students from all 11 Carmel elementary schools Friday are invited to enjoy inflatable moon walks, face painting, bingo, a dunk-a-principal game and more.

The goal is to raise $20,000 through wristband sales and donations for kids in East Africa, Aletto said.

As a way to draw kids and parents out to the carnival, the O Ambassadors made several marketing materials about their club and the need in Africa. They created a video, a brochure and signs.

"We have been learning about how people in East Africa are living and how sad it is," said Kyle Schultz, 9. ". . . A lot of people don't have shelter. I think all of us couldn't imagine how sad it would be."

Dani Van Buren, 9, wants to encourage kids to go to the carnival, and to help in other ways.