words translated into action can change the world

March 19, 2008

by Elaine Lichterman and Sara Caine Kornfeld

A strong gathering of 525 students representing 19 schools attended the 2nd annual Middle School anti-genocide Forum presented at Kent Denver School under the auspices of "Change the world. It just takes cents" TM

Students were encouraged to create and present their own statement through the use of the spoken word, music and audio visual presentations. Advance preparation for this experiential learning experience required students to study the ethnic conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan, which is killing hundreds of thousands of African civilians. Students also needed to become familiar with the term "genocide". During the preparation process, the students became aware of the global impact of such atrocities and were encouraged to learn more about the social action process and how to participate in efforts drawing attention to and bringing aid to Darfur.

After viewing a DVD welcome address from noted activist, John Prendergast, prominent humanitarian activists and members of Denver's Darfuri population supported Colorado's students as they, through their well thought out presentations, raised awareness and motivated action to help a region plagued by violence. Sue Davis, a UNICEF representative impressed by the students' presentations said, "Your event was off the charts! I have been invited to Sudan and now am sold on the idea. The speakers and kids were phenomenal. Many and profound thanks for such unparalleled inspiration. Your efforts will be richly rewarded!"

Keynote speaker Mohamed Yahya, Cairo educated Darfuri refugee who attained asylum in the United States, reminded the audience of young students that they have the power to change the world, to stand up for justice, and to make a difference. "Right now as students, you have a voice, a strong voice," said Yahya, a Sudanese activist who, having lost more that 21 members of his family, has suffered the consequences of ethnic cleansing.

Activists present encouraged the young students to take action, call legislators, write letters, raise money, and spread the word to ensure that the people of Darfur are given U.N. protection and world support through humanitarian aid organizations such as the Sixteenth of May Foundation, which works towards rehabilitating a village in Southern Sudan. Michael Ditchfield, president of this organization and former international soccer ace, MC-ed the student anti-genocide Darfur Forum and told the students, "Sooner or later, we run into situations that are too difficult to deal with. In the West we can avoid them, but in the Third World we can't. And that leads us to the most remarkable self discovery.....a discovery that we are standing in our own silence which, for the people of Darfur, is deafening. We have nothing tangible with the Sudan; only a moral obligation to walk together in one shadow."

Fran Sterling, regional Director of Facing History and Ourselves, shared personal thoughts and feelings of anger pertaining to the Darfur genocide, and concluded her address with a strong message on the power of education and its path to tolerance.

Adam Sterling, student advocate prominently featured in the recently released documentary, "Darfur Now", and guest speaker at the Forum, captivated the young audience with an on-stage interactive visual explanation of Divestment and the power it has to curtail Sudan and China's interdependence in proliferating the Darfur genocide. Kathie Reid, a journalist attending the Forum, stated, "I could barely tear myself away… when Adam Sterling began talking".

The program concluded with an original rap presentation comparing a child's nightmarish life in Darfur with the privileged life in the United States, composed and led by 13 year old Simon Kaufman, and backed by the students of "Change the world. It just takes cents"TM and Westlake Middle School. On hearing the rap, Sunni Rodgers, assistant to Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann, commented," I love your kids' rap…it should go national. Thanks for inviting us"

"The impact of this gathering of students has been phenomenal" said Sara Kornfeld, founder and mentor of "Change the world. It just takes cents" TM. "My colleague, Elaine Lichterman, and I wanted to strike a chord in the hearts of young students. We are humbled by the standard of the student presentations, the decorum, respect and response to this call for action amongst our community's youth who came from throughout the City and as far as Colorado Springs to participate. We can be proud of our youth. They certainly have the passion and the power to change the world"

However, our efforts do not end with the Forum. "Change the world. It just takes cents"TM is moving forward. Educators and students are highly motivated and have planned to come together to dialogue, plan and take action as unified student body. A growing number of participants representing schools from the Denver Metro area, Arvada, Boulder, Broomfield, Englewood, Fort Collins, Greenwood Village and Colorado Springs will meet as the Darfur Student Activities Council, to plan future student and community events. They stand united in raising the student voice against genocide, and are currently planning a rally, "Footprint for Change. Darfur-Sudan", at Cheesman Park on May 18 from 2-5 PM.

Educators see the value of funneling the excitement their students experienced at the second annual anti-genocide Darfur Forum into action. Sheila Karpan, a teacher from the Annunciation School, who brought her Sudanese students to the Forum, said," I felt so grateful for the opportunity our kids had to participate in the Forum. It was so well done…We met and debriefed with our students today. They are still thanking me for taking them! They want to share what they learned with their classmates and I hope we might get some deeper involvement."

Michael Hernandez, a teacher from East High School said," Thank you for putting together such a thought provoking and inspiring forum. I liked the integration of student and adult speakers. Our students definitely enjoyed the event and I feel that it is important to have some follow up."

The "Change the world. It just takes cents"TM student initiative received the following reaction from Sue Counterman, a teacher from Colorado Academy:

" … the students are completely jazzed about the experience."

Finally, the response from Todd Horn, principal of Kent Denver, the hosting school, was," … thank you for all that you did to make this important day a success."

As for the students: Matan Halzel, a grade eight student at Herzl /RMHA Upper School greatly impacted by the power of the keynote speakers said, " It was as if I heard Martin Luther King speak today!" while Westlake seventh-grader Sidney Knipple's reaction was;"I don't want to just sit and do nothing. I don't know exactly what to do, but I want to stand up."

The 2nd Annual student Forum Against Genocide certainly showed Colorado students that THEY can change the world.

For more information about "Change the world. It just takes cents"TM, the May 18th rally: "Awakening the Silence. Darfur-Sudan", to have your school join the Denver Metro Student Activities Council to Speak Out Against the Genocide in Darfur, or to make a donation benefiting the children of Darfur please contact Sara Caine Kornfeld, educator, mentor and founder of "Change the world. It just takes cents"TM at (303) 596-8210.