Yushu earthquake provides a teaching moment for all of us

• Source: Global Times
• [21:25 April 21 2010]
• Comments

I stood in the classroom with pride in my eyes as I saw my students open their pockets to generously contribute to the efforts. I kept enticing them to stop being stingy. Some students gave 100 yuan ($14.64) each while others contributed 50 yuan. All students without exception gave money.

I explained to them that they should go home to look for all items that they are not using to donate to the victims. I emphasized that they ought to talk to their parents, friends and neighbors to help the people of Yushu in dealing with their losses.

Upon finishing collecting the funds for the victims, I accompanied representatives of my classes to the principal's office and presented him with the money.

I asked the students to translate for him that they learned about the social responsibility in my classes, which had prompted them to exert efforts to help the victims of earthquake in Yushu.

The principal and his deputies were so proud of our students' efforts that they full-heartedly thanked all of us emphasizing that the school collected money from all teachers and administrative staff to send to the victims.

As I returned to classes, I told my students that I was very proud of them. They came through for the victims of the earthquake in Yushu.

I told them that I hoped that the sad event taught them a valuable lesson in social responsibility.

I went home, feeling sympathy for the victims. However, I was able to transform the tragic event into a learning experience for my students, true to the words of the old yet wise man from my childhood.

The author is a Canadian-Egyptian poet and educator, currently teaching in Hubei Province. viewpoint@globaltimes.com.cn