St. Andrews Middle Schoolers Find Perspective at Heifer International Ranch

This October, St. Andrew's independent school students gained a greater understanding of the challenges so many face through a visit to the Heifer Ranch in rural Perryville, Arkansas. Through immersion in Heifer's Global Village, our 8th grade students worked through the challenges of hunger, poverty, and environmental sustainability.

In an overnight trip, students lived in environments meant to simulate conditions in nations from around the world, from developing nations to refugee camps and slums in developed nations. This experience led the students to discuss similarities and differences within the global community while examining issues of population, resource distribution, quality of life, and standard of living.

Millions of refugees suffer through the experiences of trying to survive in an unfamiliar country, unable to communicate in the national language, and other struggles every day and night. Approximately half of the world's seven billion people live in poverty, struggling with limited resources, a low standard of living, and an poor quality of life. 

Students also explored their cultural identities and discovered ways that they can be better "glocal" – global and local – citizens. By preparing their own meals and participating in daily chores similar to those that Heifer's Project Partners perform each day, the young students were inspired to take action in their own lives that will positively impact the environment and the world around them. As 8th grader Buhlebenkosi Maposa writes, "This experience has showed me that other people deserve more than what they have and should have way more respect. We can help them and yet many of us choose not to because people are greedy. Dignity, worth, respect, and fulfillment of basic needs are all rights that every single human being on this planet should have. My question is why don't they have all of these rights?"

To view photos of the students' visit to Heifer Ranch, please visit http://www.gosaints.org/cf_media/index.cfm?g=378.

St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a coeducational college preparatory day school serving students on campuses in Jackson and Ridgeland, Mississippi. Founded in 1947 and grounded in the Episcopal tradition, St. Andrew's is a close-knit community which includes approximately 1,200 students, 2,300 alumni, and 2,300 current parents and guardians. The school emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education and boasts outstanding academic, athletic, and artistic programs, as well as excellent college placement and a nationally-recognized global studies program. The school has a strong commitment to being a diverse and inclusive community.