Clyde Erwin's pupils connect with the world

Clyde Erwin Elementary School's third grade is working to make a difference - and learn a little along the way.

Through O'Ambassadors, a joint project between Oprah's Angel Network and Free the Children, the pupils are being connected to people around the world to "create lasting change."

The pupils learn about, and address, problems facing Ghana including hunger, poverty and limited access to education. They've joined forces with a University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill pupil who is studying in Ghana for the semester. Through Carly Brantmeyer's blog and frequent video conferences, the pupils learn about Ghana's everyday life and culture.

The young ambassadors also learned about Mary, 12, and Sarah, 10, whose family couldn't afford to send them to school. The group wanted to help the girls get an education.

"In the end, that's what's going to raise you up - if you help raise up other people," third-grade teacher Cathy Dalimonte said.

Nine-year-old Reagan, whose last name, like that of other pupils at Clyde Erwin, was not released by the school, is pleased with the program.

"It just makes us so happy to raise money for children who don't go to school," she said.

The pupils have raised almost $100 to help the girls go to school.

"We like raising money for them so they can be happy and go to school," Nautica, 8, said.

Orianna, 9, saw a similiarity between Mary's and Sarah's school and Clyde Erwin.

"They have to wear uniforms just like us," she said.

When special needs teacher Crystal Pettit heard about the O'Ambassadors project, she wanted to get other pupils involved, so she began an O'Ambassadors homework haven.

"... I want them to know they are making a difference in a family's life by helping Mary and Sarah," she said. "I think that's really the main goal - changing people's lives for the better."

Contact Jacksonville/Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at 910-219-8461. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.