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Power-up bands help students help others

Allegheny Valley School District ›  |  Posted on

UNICEF Power-up bands have allowed fourth-grade students to help other students across the world.

Fourth grade students in Ms. Rhodes classroom began a program that features the UNICEF Kid Power-up bands. The program allows students to “go on a fun and educational journey…learning about other cultures and places around the world.”

Every step the students take converts to lifesaving therapeutic food for kids in need. By the end of September, most of the class was wearing their bands every day. By the middle of November, the homeroom registered 2,833,007 steps and unlocked 118 RUTF (Ready to use Therapeutic Food) Packs that will help children who are suffering from malnutrition. Currently, the students have gained 372 RUTF packets and 9,107,787 steps; they have earned over 3.000 power coins. Through this part of the program, the class has donated 114 meals, 19 trees, and 7 doctors visits.

“The students have really enjoyed the program,” commented teacher Ms. Rachel Rhodes. “They have found a great responsibility in helping students all around the world.” Rhodes brought the program to the school through a Dynamo Education Grant. These grants support district teachers and sponsors.

Through the program, the students were anxious to get to 150 food packs, the number that represents a full course of treatment for one child to beat malnutrition. The students are very excited about the program, and love that they are helping others.

In addition, the 4th graders were given an opportunity to participate in Trick or Treat for UNICEF. In class they discussed the history of the program, the impact of the program, and distributed collection boxes. They also practiced how to ask for donations, explain the program, and how to respond regardless of if the person donated or not. Those who participated raised $443.03 – enough money to provide 443 children with clean drinking water for two months or give 1,029 RUTF packs.

Students call it a “kind program that can help kids in need,” noting that it shows “You can always help kids even if you’re just walking.” Lesson learned.