Africa Lesson Plans

Food, Water and Safety in the Horn Of Africa

The Horn of Africa is defined as the easternmost projection of Africa, which includes Somalia, the southeast region of Ethiopia, Djibouti and sometimes Eritrea, Sudan and Kenya.  These countries, are linked as much by proximity as by a common history, cultural ties, and now, drought and famine.

In this region a state of corporate emergency was declared by The United Nations World Food Programme -the highest level of crisis-due to the widespread loss of life. At least 11.3 million people are in need of assistance in the Horn of Africa today.

According to reports in mid-July 2011, in Somalia, alone, 3.7 million people are without food they need to survive. Three contributing factors are failed harvests, drought, and rising food prices.  The fourth, but not least critical, factor is the conflict and violence that also floods this region, preventing food to get to those who are starving. 

Step 1: Ask students to think about why violence could trigger a famine?   Have students draw on their background knowledge of how food is distributed (in packages, on trucks, via helicopter, by volunteers and aid workers, by doctors or nurses in hospitals), and what issues may become an obstacle in the delivery of these items.  List these on a blackboard, or newsprint, for the class to see.

Famine is defined when 2 adults or 4 children in 10,000, per day, die of malnutrition.  (source: UN: Parts of south Somalia suffering from famine ) Since this region has had the lowest amount of rainfall it has seen in 60 years, it is not only the crops, and the people who are starving. The cattle are also dying of dehydration, robbing families of their food source as well as their source of income.  Rain is not expected until October, or more than 2-months from when the disaster was declared.

In some parts of Northern Kenya, the World Food Programme estimates that one third of all children are malnourished (source: Drought Spreads Hunger Across Northern Kenya ) and mothers provide a fortified porridge of oil and a corn soya blend to try to keep their children alive.  They are not always successful, and often babies who are almost a year old weigh less than newborns.

Step 2: Ask the class, from an economic perspective, what happens if there is a limited supply of something-in this case-food? Then consider what happens where there are no consumers who are able to pay an elevated price, especially if the product is perishable.  Review the concept of supply and demand.

Celebrating Kwanzaa Lesson Plans: Find Printable Kwanzaa ...

With the Obamas in the White House, many Americans are inspired by the dramatic history of the African Americans, and Kwanzaa celebrations are sure to show a renewed passion and exuberance. Homeschooled families can study Kwanzaa to learn about human rights, racism and the characteristics that make a community.

Kwanzaa began in the 1960s when Maulana Karenga decided that African Americans needed to distance themselves from mainstream celebrations and honor their heritage and common ties by celebrating their own holiday, designed to promote unity and cooperation. He valued the tight-knit communities of the Africans and was dismayed to see modern African Americans suffering and disconnected.

Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili word for “first fruit.” The phrase has multiple meanings, though, that can't be translated literally. Kwanzaa celebrates the Seven Principles, which are traditional values that keep a community functioning efficiently, like unity, faith, self-worth, collective responsibilities, cooperative economics, shared purpose and creativity. Kwanzaa helps those with African heritage all over the world to preserve their heritage a worldwide culture.

For younger children, simply learning about the animals in Africa, the regions and the people, is enough to give an appreciation and understanding of African American heritage. Try lighting Kinari candles, learning a traditional African song, dance, or prayer and looking at pictures of Africa online.

For older kids, try wrapping a traditional African headscarf. Design your own African patterns for painting or weaving. Learn about the political and social climate for African Americans during the 1960s and compare that to the current culture. Learn the history of Kwanzaa and discuss with older children the importance of sharing a holiday and the value that Kwanzaa has for African Americans, most of whom have never been to Africa. Does a holiday like Kwanzaa help people with an African heritage feel more connected to one another?

Kwanza coloring sheets and worksheets area available at all of the popular websites for free printable. In addition, you can find line drawing replicas of popular African fabric prints, candles, and fresh fruits. Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and find worksheets that help kids learn about these qualities and values. Discuss the importance of the seven principles. How can you use them in your life. What would the world be like if no one practiced these principles.

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