CE1 F & G:

Raising our sights on protecting elephants and rhinoceroses

Over the course of the past several weeks, the fifty bilingual students of CE1F and CE1G at the French International School Victor Segalen learned all about elephants (and to a lesser degree, rhinos which will be a later focus). These children are 6-7 years old and absolutely adore these gorgeous, muddy, funny, unique animals. During their time in school learning about elephants, they watched several documentaries filmed by National Geographic, the Animal Planet and the BBC. They learned a poem by Kenn Nesbitt My elephant thinks Im wonderful and read numerous books on these amazing animals. We integrated elephants into our language arts and focused on vocabulary related to these animals. We discussed and discussed and discussed the illegal ivory trade. (And spent an inordinate amount of time discussing why elephants eat each others dung!) Together we watched many of the videos of the rescue of orphaned elephants by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We considered the virtues of the organization and why it would be beneficial for us to lend our support. All agreed that this was the organization for us. Not one of them could see the sense in killing an elephant for its tusks. Not one of them could understand this. Many said This is just like killing ourselves. Throughout all these activities it became more and more clear to them that Elephants are just like us! This became our slogan. Our rallying cry. The students were all shocked to learn about the realities of the illegal ivory trade. Only on one occasion were they shown the horrifying photos of how poachers butcher their victims. Tears welled up, lips bitten, and a silence crept over the two classes who were together when they saw for the first time these crimes for what they really are. What do you say to a child who is in tears after seeing a picture like that? You tell them that they can make a little difference. You tell them it will be alright. You tell them that this is why we need to educate those around us. You remind them that as they grow up and become decision makers that they can make even more of a difference. One ELEPHANT of a week: On Monday, December 2nd, Carmel Huber from Elephant Asia and Rescue Survival Foundation (EARS Asia) visited the school and talked to the students along with several other classes. Carmel taught the students all about the realities of elephant tourism in Asia and how EARS tries to change the nature of the industry in Cambodia and Thailand. Then a few days later, on Thursday, December 5th, Celia HO, aka The Elephant Girl, came into visit the two classes. Celia shared her work on the Schools United for Elephants campaign. We then all made origami elephants to sell/give as gifts to donors to our campaign to raise money for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. After Celias visit each one of them made a pledge. A solemn promise. (Attached are the English and French versions.) But it would not suffice that only they should make that promise. They rallied to the cause and insisted that families and friends would also become a part of this movement. No one can deny the power one child has over their parents and family, but what can fifty children do? Well, we found were about to find out.

On Saturday, December 7th, the French International School held its annual Christmas Fair at our primary campus in Jardines Lookout. This is where these children would make a stand and force peoples hand; force people to listen; convey the message that this industry needs to end and that if we all just stop and think about our responsibility as guardians of the planet that we can bring an end to the slaughter. Through their collective will and hard work, these students were able to take on a whole school and its guests. Hundreds of people were approached, asked if they knew what was happening, or understood the realities of the illegal ivory trade. Then people were convinced to sign the pledge and if possible make a small contribution to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Over 350 people signed the pledge on the day. Many more will soon.. In the end and in only six or so hours these amazing children were able to raise just under 5600$HK (over 700$US). Topped with their own personal donations, they reached 800$US (or just over 6000$HK). This money and their life-long promise to stay the course and always stand up for elephants and rhinoceroses is their Christmas gift to the children (calves) of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Sincerely, Darren E. Hynes Class Teacher CE1 F & G French International School Victor Segalen

Pic 1: After meeting Celia Ho, The Elephant Girl.

Pic 2: CE1F Making the Pledge

Pic 3: CE1G Making the Pledge

Pics 4/5/6: Students ready to go to work

Pic 7: The Magnetic Origami Elephants