Natural disasters are at an all-time high, which means the need for humanitarian aid has never been greater. The best way we can contribute long-term humanitarian relief that will benefit the world for decades to come is by empowering the youth with the knowledge they need to make a difference.

Now more than ever, the world needs bright and compassionate minds. Teach your children and students about the importance of humanitarian aid with these ideas!

Engage Students

It’s common for teachers and parents to want to provide a positive environment by leaving negative topics at the door. When disaster strikes, don’t shut it out. Initiate discussions that revolve around the tragedy. Address topics such as what happened, where it happened, who it affected, and how it affected them. You don’t have to illuminate every gruesome detail, but you should share enough to elicit empathy. Give students an opportunity to relate to the victims of the disaster.

Turn the topic into a learning activity that will encourage children to put themselves in the shoes of those who were affected. For example, if you’re discussing damages, you can help your students imagine an emergency evacuation by asking them what three items they would choose to save if given the chance. “What would you do” scenarios are an excellent way to bring a foreign disaster close to home.

Involve Students

Take your humanitarian-based curriculum one powerful step further by providing your students with opportunities to become actively involved in the relief efforts. Organize a fundraiser, encourage donations, write letters, draw pictures, etc. If there is a way for the kids to get involved, do it! Not only will your students experience the satisfaction of helping those in need, but they will also learn valuable lessons in working together and organizing an event.

If you need some ideas to get you started, here are a few of the humanitarian aid efforts conducted at Laurel Hill School.

Create a Community

Creating a strong sense of community will greatly contribute to your goals of teaching humanitarian aid in the classroom. We recommend regular activities that are geared towards achieving a strengthened sense of community, a greater respect for the environment, and an ability to relate to victims of a disaster.

At Laurel Hill, we place great emphasis on creating a solid foundation for humanitarian-based learning. One of the ways in which we do this is with our student-run town that we call the Micro-Society Program. This fun hands-on program provides our students with experiences and challenges that are designed to prepare them for the real world and improve their problem-solving abilities.

By raising children who are aware of current events and compassionate for those less fortunate, you can help create a brighter future and a better world. With our natural disaster rate on the rise, it’s never been more important to prepare the youth to join together, make a difference, and save lives.

Laurel Hill Private School in Long Island

Laurel Hill is a private school in Long Island that puts its best foot forward when it comes to teaching children about humanitarian aid. Learn more about the curriculum at our school, including our community-building activities and humanitarian efforts.