Seventh graders at Wantagh Middle School will be going above and beyond their typical assignment while reading Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. This book is an eye-opening, powerful book that highlights the issues faced in Sudan, especially the lack of access to clean water. To make sure students have a deeper connection to the book and real-world hardships, 7^th grade English teachers Anna Schiebelhuth, Christina Bewick, and Librarian Amelie Weber entered their students into the Iron Giraffe Challenge.

The Iron Giraffe Challenge is an international initiative to raise money to support access to clean water for the people of South Sudan. Schools that raise $1,000 or more for their charity Water for South Sudan are entered for a chance to win a visit from the author or the main character, who is a real man. 

“We were thrilled to enter the 7^th grade class into the Iron Giraffe Challenge this year,” says Ms. Schiebelhuth. “Our efforts allowed us to unite with schools across the globe that are inspired to change lives in rural South Sudan communities. We're so grateful to be a part of Water for South Sudan's global community!”

Last February, students participated in Penny Wars Challenge as their first fundraiser to get things going. Students and faculty then participated in a Shadow-A-Teacher Day where money was raised by selling raffle tickets for a chance to shadow their favorite teacher. Last, students participated in a letter writing initiative in an effort to raise funds for the cause.  In total, students surpassed the $1,000 goal and raised a total of $2,613 for Water for South Sudan.