Oswego Schools Stand Up To Poverty

November 10, 2008 Contributor

Submitted Article

OSWEGO NY – Oswego City School District students and staff were asked to “Stand Up! Be Counted” in the fight against global poverty and inequality.

In mid-October hundreds of students stood up against poverty while at the same time attempting to set a Guinness Book of World Record in standing up in unison for one minute.

Frederick Leighton Elementary School students donned their white T-shirts as part of the “Speak Out Against Poverty” effort.
Frederick Leighton Elementary School students donned their white T-shirts as part of the “Speak Out Against Poverty” effort.

In 1990, the United Nations identified eight objectives to meet these goals by 2015.

The objectives were to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal care, combat HIV-AIDS as well as malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.

The students became quite aware of the numbers of people living in poverty and it was noted that poverty impacts not only developing nations, but also the United States.

Prior to the event students were able to view a video which explained the problems that are being faced worldwide to provide background on these concerns.

Minetto Elementary School Principal Dean Goewey said, “We had 100 percent participation from students and staff. Minetto teachers talked to their classes in advance about the issue of poverty as well.”

Mary Volkomer, Principal of the Kingsford Park Elementary School, also noted, “I believe we all participated and emailed the video to all the teachers. Some should the video during the stand up and others used it for a little mini-lesson on poverty with the students.”

Charles E. Riley Elementary School Principal Randy Richards said, “Riley elementary has always had an outstanding commitment to local food banks. It seems like our staff and students are always collecting food. So, when the Poverty Project held their ‘speak out,’ our folks actually did something about it once again and not only stood up, but collected food!”

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