Shelby High School freshman English teacher Stephanie Jankov is helping her students become aware of serious issues in the world by creating a project called “Living Without.” “The kids got really interested in making a difference for those who are in need,” said Jankov.
Last year, Jankov embarked on this project with her students and the focus was making a difference in the world.
“The students have to focus on an area where people in the world live without things that we often take for granted such as food, clothing, human rights, and education. This past semester, all three of my classes wanted to put a focus on human trafficking,” said Jankov.
According to Merriam-Webster, human trafficking is defined as organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor).
Jankov explained the purpose behind “Living Without.” “It was originally designed for students to come up with their own way to get information out to the public. This could involve using a flyer, a brochure, a presentation, or a movie. They just had to find some way to portray the information to the public,” said Jankov.
“How they give the information out could be as simple as handing out a pamphlet at lunch or students could try to raise money to do other things,” said Jankov.
Previously, the students had to perform all the work in groups but in the spring of last year; Jankov had her students each create their own explanatory text. The students then put on a combined event called “Battle of the Air Bands.”
But this year Jankov wanted each of her three classes to do a separate activity. “My second block class wanted to do a bake sale and my third block class sold tee shirts. The fourth block class decided to do an event and they wanted to do a lock in. They went and spoke with Mr. Gies about it and he allowed them to do it. We made an Awareness Night that was open to the public, too,” said Jankov.
At the Awareness Night, there were different stations that provided activities to keep participants engaged and entertained. Some of the students displayed their projects in movie forms and passed out brochures. Baked goods and tee shirts from the other two classes were also sold at the Awareness Night. Unfortunately because of weather, the lock in had to be canceled.
Jankov shared the reaction from the public about the project. “We had a very good amount of people there and I was pleased with the response. A lot of people had great things to say about the project and how well it was put together. We had a lot of good feedback,” said Jankov.
Shelby High School Principal John Gies expressed his thoughts on the value of the project.
“I think anytime you can make kids aware of what is going on in the world really helps because sometimes we just see what is around us. To give kids the opportunity to see that there are some people in the world that are really struggling and that they can do something to make a difference. Hopefully it is a spring board to continue on these paths. I think it is a great lesson for the kids,” said Gies.
This semester, Jankov said Battle of the Air Bands will take place sometime in April. Jankov plans on still giving her student’s free reign on what topic they wish to focus on. “It is all about what they are passionate about. It is a good way for students to get involved,” said Jankov.
