September 2008For the second year, the OCPS Service Learning Program has partnered with the Global Peace Film Festival and the Enzian Theater to bring students to view documentaries from the film festival and interact with directors, producers, and esteemed guests. About 800 students watched films that taught them that they can take positive steps to improve the world; and that every individual can make a difference in his or her community.
The Canadian film, Repercussions, promotes the idea that humans and technology can live in harmony in the world as we explores alternative energy sources.
Masizakhe: Let us Build Together is a documentary that gives voice to students, artists, teachers, and principals, who are using their work and talent to re-establish individual and cultural identities in South Africa.
U.N. Fever follows three teams of college students as they prepare for and compete in an international Model United Nations conference. They seek real-life solutions to today’s global problems. Special Guest, Dr. Noel Brown, who served as Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme addressed the students at this showing.
A Ripple in the Water explores the work of South African artist and activist Kim Berman, who teaches others to use art as a tool to promote healing and positive social transformation in South Africa. The films impacted students who are involved in service learning projects that deal with homelessness and poverty, global warming, and the environment.
Students from the TCHS Service Learning Academy participated in fund raising activities to sponsor the Jones High School students pictured here.
Students for Peace attended a private showing of War Dance at Rollins College.
The Global Peace Film Festival ran from September 26th to September 30th. Service Learning Academy students and TCHS Student for Peaces volunteered to serve as greeters and assist at the various festival venues. The Service Learning Academy students and the TCHS Students for Peace were invited to a private showing of the film, War Dance, at Rollins College.
From student reflections on the movie, War Dance:
"The film impacted me greatly. I will never again take my life for granted."
"I hope we can adopt a service-learning project to address the problems of the "invisible children" and the children of Dafur."
"Everyone should see this movie."
Other movies that earned praise from the students were: Taxi to the Dark Side, Soldiers of Conscience, and Dalai Lama Renaissance.
Outside the Enzian Theatre from left to right: Global Peace Film Festival Director, Nina Streich, Rusudan Grigolia from Georgia, academy students, and Dr. Noel Brown from the United Nations.
