In Rochester, Michigan, teacher Cara Lougheed takes her students outside of the classroom to regions of the world where children are living in hard-to-imagine conditions. In these places, dealing with AIDS is part of everyday life, and getting an education is a dream that has not been realized.

As part of a world affairs course, aptly called "Global Issues," Lougheed finds ways for her students to see poverty not as an abstract issue but as a tangible reality that impacts millions of people. As an integral way of connecting students to real action, she engages her classes in fundraising campaigns to benefit NetAid projects. Initially sparked by "Breaking the Silence," a Time Magazine article on AIDS orphans in Africa, Lougheed has been raising awareness about NetAid and money for World Schoolhouse projects over the past three years. In her Global Issues courses, each student raises money on their own and Lougheed sometimes has classes engage in friendly competitions to see who can raise the most money. The winning class gets a "game day" as a reward for their efforts.

Every year, at the beginning of each class' campaign, Lougheed sends a letter home to parents, letting them know what she is asking of every student. She writes, "Everyday throughout the continent of Africa, millions of children go without basic educational services. As a teacher, I feel compelled to help in some way, as well as to demonstrate to my students the importance of helping others in (our) global community."

She also sees the integral role adults play in raising awareness for young people. "Kids want to help; they just don't know what to do. It's important when teaching them about these issues that they don't become hopeless. One of the objectives of (my class) "Global Issues" is to help students see themselves as contributing members of a global society. I hope to do our part to increase sensitivity and awareness, while helping students to be educated and compassionate young adults."

She also encourages parents to talk with their children about issues affecting the world, especially post-9-11. "In these times of trouble, I ask parents to become more aware of crises by encouraging their children to discuss these issues at home."

Students' efforts to raise money have been quite creative. Some students have offered to rake leaves for their neighbors for a contribution. One student offered to collect the mail for a few elderly neighbors and bring it to their door. Another shoveled snow for people on his street. Many find when they mention what it is for, they are given more money than they had initially hoped to receive.

Lougheed finds NetAid a good way to get her students involved because of its accessibility. "I can tell kids, this is where your money is going, and I take them to the website and show them exactly where it's going, and what the stories are. Having the stories and information on the site means the parents can go look at it, too. It's a simple and reliable way to get the students – and the parents – involved in the issues."

This year, Lougheed's class has raised close to $700 – much more than in previous years. "Many of my students come from families where they are really struggling with money. One boy brought in fifteen dollars he earned doing housework, and it was very significant for him and his parents. I encourage other teachers to get involved in donating to charity – it doesn't have to be a big fundraiser. It helps the kids feel better, and it helps the causes. It's an all-around good idea."