Clark Elementary Students "Sit For Good" to Help Ugandan Students

Updated: 1:49 PM Dec 17, 2009

Charlottesville students are sitting down for a good cause. Students at Clark Elementary School in Charlottesville are raising money to make a difference for kids in Uganda. Many are digging deep in their piggy banks to help give students in Uganda a better education.

Posted: 11:38 AM Dec 17, 2009
Reporter: Stephanie Satchell
Email Address: stephanie.satchell@newsplex.com

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December 17, 2009

Charlottesville students are sitting down for a good cause.

Students at Clark Elementary School in Charlottesville are raising money to make a difference for kids in Uganda. Many are digging deep in their piggy banks to help give students in Uganda a better education.

Students are learning without desks, chairs, paper, and supplies for a day.

"We're living a day as a Ugandan student," says Katie Witthauer, a teacher.

While participating in "Sit for Good' many students found out that life as a Ugandan student is very different from what they're used to in the U.S.

That's why this class is ready to make a difference. They're collecting money one coin at a time to help build schools and provide supplies in Uganda.

"I just want all the kids to have a good education. It feels great to help other students," says Ian Waite, a Clark student.

Their teacher says she is extremely proud of her class and their willingness to give.

"They're selfless. They do care; they're willing to give their time and willing to give of what little money they get for washing dishes and taking out the garbage so [Ugandan students] can have the educational opportunity that we have, and sometimes that we take for granted," says Witthauer.

Now that students know what life is like in other parts of the world, they say they'll appreciate their education much more.

So far students have raised $230. One teacher at Clark Elementary has promised to match whatever amount the students raise.

Latest Comments

Posted by: shayla Location: charlottesville va on Jan 1, 2010 at 11:20 AM

look here lark i was one of the kids in there and i know what we were doing. we didnt always talk about tables and chairs we were trying to say it is hard for them to learn with out book and any other things and clark kids have smart bords and other great things and we can look in our texts books and see other was to put it unlike uganda kids so know that you get it maybe stop by clark elemenry 1000 belmont av come cheek us out and you see katie witthour

Posted by: Lark on Dec 17, 2009 at 11:38 PM

What does having tables and chairs have to do with learning? There are many first world cultures that do not use table or chairs in their culture and have no problem learning. Westerners push their standards as the model to go by totally disrespecting the cultures of other countries. There are as many teaching and learning styles as there teachers and learners. Technology is one thing. What I would suggest is that an awareness be had in educating our teachers, students, and community about the different customs and ways of learning in first world cultures.

Posted by: Mary Location: Clark Elementary School on Dec 17, 2009 at 12:47 PM

This was an amazing way to teach students about what school is like in other parts of the world! The whole school came together in order to support the goal!

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