Women+in+Africa

Women's Role in the Development of Africa Micro-entrepreneurs

Overview:
In this lesson, students learn how women micro-entrepreneurs are changing the human characteristics of the communities where they live. In a Project Based Learning Activity, students will read, research and view videos about a micro-lending organization called Kiva.org. They will work in pairs, researching women in Africa that are applying for loans through this non-profit organization. Students will participate in an artworks project that will generate the money to be loaned. The artworks project will focus on creating a picture that represents the importance of social responsibility and helping people from third world countries. The art projects are imprinted on various products including, eco friendly bags, water bottles, display plates and much more. The profit from the sales will be used as loans to women micro-entrepreneurs in Africa.

Preview:
Students will watch a 40 minute video from Discover Atlas, disc2, Egypt. Students will complete a guided worksheet as they watch the movie. The movie provides a terrific visual about the physical features of Africa, including the Nile River, deserts and an oasis. It also provides a great discussion forum about African culture, tradition and women's role in their family and community. During class discussion, students will revise and edit their worksheet. Have students write one summary statement about each person that was identified in the movie. Writing Assignment: Students will write at least one detailed paragraph about life in Africa, including 3 or more specific examples from the video. Credits and a thank you to Mrs. Gordon for the Discovery Atlas video and the Guided Question worksheet.

Pre-Vocabulary Strategy:
On the board, model 2 column notes, write the geoterms terms from chapter 21 on the fact side of the notes. On the right side of the notes, students will try to define each word on their own, no books and no discussion. After circulating the classroom and all students appear to be finished, have students share their definitions. As a class, write geoterms on the board and record possible definition. Ask students to explain their thoughts and strategies behind their definitions. As a group, discuss the best definitions and why. Students should be marking up and revising their definitions.

I See/ It Means:
Use transparency 21A and page 154 in the Interactive Notebook.

Read and Take 2 column notes:
Assign Introduction 21.1 and Geographic Setting 21.2, pages 311-312 as homework. Revise and edit the next class period using the document reader. Assign geoterms for homework, revise and edit accordingly. Introduction 21.1 Geographic Setting 21.2

Grinding Peanut in Rural Mali:
Assign 21.3 for reading and 2 column notes as homework. Revise/edit notes as a class with the document reader. Pairs students by mixed ability to complete Guide to Reading Notes Section 21.3. Revise and discuss answers as a class. Begin a discussion about "social responsibility" and the impact of helping people half way across the world. Grinding Peanuts in Rural Mali 21.3

Exploratory Writing Assignment:
Can you think of a time when you made a difference in someone's life, perhaps by helping them at a difficult time? What was the situation? What did you do? How did it make you feel? Were there obstacles to face? How did you overcome them? Writing assignment can included a photograph or drawing. Writing should be at least 2 to 3 paragraphs. Random assignments should be shared in class. Also, can be displayed on a bulletin board. The writing piece was a great way to push the students to think beyond helping their mom clean the house or assisting a siblings with homework. Encourage topics about volunteering and aiding people that may not be family members or even people that they know. Click "Student Work Social Responsibility" to read exemplar writing assignments.

Kiva: Micro Lending Organization
Students will learn about Kiva. Learn About Kiva.org How does Kiva work How does Kiva Work

PBS Frontline:
Show a short video about a true micro entrepreneur in Uganda. This video also provides a background story on the development and mission statement of Kiva.org. Micro Lending Kiva.org Click on Uganda: A Little Goes a Long Way.

Selling in Uganda's "Poor Man's Market"
Assign 21.4 for reading and 2 column notes as homework. Revise/edit notes as a class with the document reader. Pairs students by mixed ability to complete Guide to Reading Notes Section 21.4. Revise and discuss answers in class. Discuss the purpose and idea behind Kiva.org and how kiva works. Explain to the students that they will have the opportunity to lend money to women in Africa by participating in an art fundraiser project. A letter explaining the fundraiser will be sent home to parent and guardians. Selling in Uganda's "Poor Man's Market" 21.4

SilverGraphics:
SilverGraphics turns artwork into unique keepsake items to be cherished by family and friends. The money generated from the student's original artwork about social responsibility will be lent to women micro entrepreneurs.

Cooking Up Comfort Food in Botswana
Assign 21.5 for reading and 2 column notes as homework. Revise/edit notes as a class with the document reader. Pairs students by mixed ability to complete Guide to Reading Notes Section 21.5. Revise and discuss answers in class. Cooking Up Comfort Food in Botswana 21.5