This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Hamden Hall participates in Humanitarian Effort for Japan

Origami Cranes help Fund Rebuilding Project

Hamden Hall Country Day School has embarked on humanitarian effort to help the survivors of the colossal earthquake that hit Sendai, Japan and the tsunami that followed, devastating the coast.

The natural disasters hit on March 11, leaving the areas affected in need of serious repairs. With the construction of origami cranes, the school will help Japan rebuild.

Hamden Hall held a school-wide commemorative assembly to memorialize the event, beginning with a moment of silence observed by all.

Find out what's happening in Hamdenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hannah Rosenberg, a senior, read a poem she wrote about the aftermath of the disaster, the chorus performed “Beneath the Pines,” and the ceremony concluded with the planting of a Japanese Maple Tree, a symbolic remembrance to mark the event. In coming months a plaque will be placed by the tree.

The disasters happened while the school was on March break. Teacher Lorri Carroll said she saw people Twittering on ways to help the Japanese people. Studentrebuild.org had an idea on how to help.  

Find out what's happening in Hamdenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When they returned from their break Carroll observed students in the lower school drawing pictures and writing messages to the Japanese people and realized the impact the disaster had on them.

“This would become a learning moment,  and an inspiration to help the Japanese people,” she said.

Shin-Hae Lee, a sophomore, learned to make origami cranes in the fourth grade,  initially making the cranes to give to her ailing grandfather.

The Japanese see origami and cranes as symbolic in their culture. It is believed that one who takes the time to fold 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. Shin-Hae's wish was for her grandfather to recover.

Her grandfather passed away before she could finish the 1,000 cranes, but now she, along with sophomore Dana Lee, are making them for the people of Japan.

The project eventually grew and now the entire school is participated in creating paper origami cranes. The lower school students color the paper squares while middle school students make the cranes.

Shin-Hae Lee and Dana Lee, who are not related, have personal reasons for creating the cranes.

“We want to let the people know we are there for them," Shin-Hae said. "We care a lot.”

Dana said she wants the people of Japan to see that people here care.

“This is a symbol of hope to the Japanese people to show them compassion,” she said.

To date studentsl have made more than 800 cranes. For each origami crane they make, $2.00 will be donated to Architecture for Humanity to help rebuild Japan. The organization consists of professionals who will work pro bono to help reconstruct the area.

The Head of Hamden Hall,  Robert Izzo said they are furthering their efforts with a three step plan:

  • With the paper cranes, they are creating ‘teachable moments” with a community effort while learning about culture, the lessons inspired by Carroll.
  • Planting a Japanese Maple Tree and installing a plaque keeps the event alive in the student’s minds. The idea was inspired by Dawn Miceli, External Affairs Communications Coordinator.  
  • They limited lunch choices for the day, with the money saved sent to the Japanese Red Cross to help in the effort.

This is not the first time Hamden Hall Has marked an important event in history. They planted a tree and placed a plaque in their courtyard in memory of the 9/11 tragedies.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?