Africa:

Photograph by Julia Hewitt

Photograph by Roz Vara, Class of 2006

What ethical issues arise when considering international

efforts?

A Fresh Look
A project of the Cabot High School
Contemporary Issues Class

PROJECT OVERVIEW
So much of what we think we know about Africa is derived from its inaccurate portrayal in the media. Throughout this study, we will explore four driving questions in our search for the multiple truths
of Africa, where things outside the control African people have led to circumstances that have altered their lives. You will read selected chapters of Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles by Richard
Dowden and other texts to develop a foundational knowledge about this history and current status of a number of African countries, examining the history of imperialism and its effects on the peoples
of Africa. You will go on to examine one country in depth, through parallel lenses of strife and hope.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Select a country you would like to study in light of your chosen focus topic (adoption, genocide, refugees, choice). Gather information for your research paper, taking notes and recording citation
information on EasyBib. Write a documented essay, following MLA conventions, that describes the rich history of this African country before colonization (note that Ethiopia was never colonized);
examines colonization and its outcomes; explores what caused instances of strife in this country; evaluates the current situation and the extent to which people from this nation are moving beyond this
strife; and examines ethical issues arise when considering international efforts. Create a hand-crafted simple book that relates the essentials of your research

PURSUING THE PROJECT

Sharing the Stories of Refugees from Africa
You will chronicle the stories of refugees from Africa by:
researching political and social circumstances surrounding the refugees relocation
exploring the geographical region from which the refugees originated
creating your own probing questions
becoming familiar with effective oral history techniques
interviewing African refugees living in Vermont and creating a documentary film, radio
broadcast, and/or book or iBook based on your interviews
INDIVIDUAL Choice
Following project development guidelines (6 As and BIE Project Planning forms), you will:
create a project plan of your choice that addresses the driving questions and meets the
6 As of project design and are submitted via the BIE project planning form
select a book for independent reading; the title should accompany your project
proposal
plan a way to present your learning, including the creation of an assessment rubric.
Theres No Me Without You: Stories of Transcultural Adoption
!
You will chronicle the stories of transcultural families in Vermont by:
investigating circumstances leading to children being orphaned in Africa.
becoming familiar with the process of adopting a child from another country.
interviewing transcultural families in Vermont and creating a documentary or radio
broadcast and /or book chronicling their experiences and the ways families have
integrated aspects of their childs birth culture.

One Million Bones or One Million Opportunities

You will consider instances of genocide and pursue opportunities to move forward by
investigating the eight stages of genocide, determining how these events occur
investigating micro-financing, its origin and potential to change the lives of
millions, for better or worse
investigating non-profit lending institutions such as Kiva.org to determine the
process and effectiveness of this type of lending.
helping organize a campaign/ fundraiser (One Million Bones Initiative/ Kiva. org)
to raise awareness about genocide prevention and ways to support opportunities
for growth through microfinancing
investigating the way in which land titles/property rights affect individuals ability
to secure private loans from conventional lending institutions.
writing a series of articles about the campaign/fundraiser in progress and when
completed