Haiti Relief: Resources and Ways You Can Help

Thursday, 1/14/2010

Image courtesy Disaster Emergency Committee/Flickr

The images of destruction and despair in Haiti monopolizing the media this week are terrifying – but with the aid of technology, there are several things you can to do right now to help, and to address the situation with children and students.

Donate

Mashable.com has posted over a dozen organizations that you can make donations to via text message or online donations. They also warn that several fake charities have popped up in the last day soliciting donations. Be sure your money is going to a reputable organization.

Here are a few:

• “AmeriCares has pledged $5 million to Haitian quake relief, and is soliciting donations to a general emergency disaster relief fund to help it accomplish that.
• CARE is sending relief workers into the city of Port-au-Prince and needs funds to support its efforts. Suggested donations range from $50 to $1,000, but you can name your own amount if you prefer.
• Oxfam has 200 people on the ground to deal with the crisis, and began its efforts by trying to get clean water to victims of the quake. One of its staffers recorded a podcast describing the situation. You can donate on the American or UK site, depending on where you’re located.
• Red Cross: You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 via the Red Cross.”

See all of Mashable’s donation suggestions.

Haiti Earthquake Resources for the Classroom

The New York Times Learning Network has compiled several lesson plans, articles and resources to help address the Haitian earthquake in the classroom. As with all Learning Network resources, these are aligned to national standards, so you don’t even have to deviate from core curriculum to deal with this topical matter.

Here are a few lessons from the site:

• The State of Haiti – a 2006 lesson plan on political developments in Haiti from the 2004 military coup to the 2006 elections.
• Earthquake! – a 2008 lesson plan on earthquakes and disaster relief, pegged to the May 12, 2008 earthquake in Western China.
• Help is On the Way – a 2004 lesson on how disaster aid is provided and how individuals can help.

See all of the Learning Network’s Resources.

Tips to Talk to Children about Disasters

Parenting.com posted 5 tips to help parents address children’s questions, fears and emotions when faced with tragic or scary events.

They suggest:

• Wait Until They’re Older
• Keep It Black and White
• Ask Questions
• Don’t Label Feelings as Wrong
• Use it as a Teaching Moment

Read the entire Parenting article.

Posted by » walden
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