Lesson Plan: Famine looms in Africa

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Objectives

• Students will analyze the role of countries assisting other countries during a potential humanitarian problem, and how the political situations in countries affect aid given and received.
  
• Students will be able to discuss and explain the humanitarian role of the United Nations.
  

Standards

National Council for the Social Studies:
Standard V: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Standard VI: Power, Authority, and Governance
Standard VII: Production, Distribution, and Consumption
Standard IX: Global Connections

Materials

• CNNfyi article, "Threat of famine grows in Africa"
  
• Internet access.
  

Suggested Time

One to two 45-50 minute class periods.

Procedures

1. Discuss with students the term "famine" and ask them what pictures come to their minds when they hear the word. From what countries or continents are their mental pictures?
2. Have students read CNNfyi article on famine in Horn of Africa.
3. For review, ask students to answer the following questions:

• Potentially how many people could be affected by a famine in Africa? What is the UN doing to solve the famine problem? What, in general, is the UN's position on international humanitarian assistance? What are some of the causes of the potential famine?
  
• How much food does the U.S. donate to the continent of Africa a year? How much money has Canada pledged?
  
• What two groups are the most vulnerable in the current situation?

Assessment

1. Have students research the United States involvement in the 1992 Somalia famine and prepare a multimedia or powerpoint presentation to give to the class. Instruct the groups to include the following: the role of the media, the impact of the presidential elections, individuals who supported the sending of troops, U.S. military killed or wounded, the attitude of the military reservists who were sent.

After the report is given have the class discuss the potential impact the U.S. involvement in the Somalian experience might have on the current situation in the Horn of Africa. Like 1992, 2000 is a presidential election year. Have students research what each of the major candidate's policy is on sending U.S. troops to other countries for humanitarian reasons.

2. Extension: Have students research other humanitarian situations when the United States has send assistance - military or economic. Using this historic information, have them send an email or letter to the Presidential candidate of their choice expressing their opinion on what the U.S. should do regarding the potential famine situation in Africa. A copy of this letter and its response should be shared with the class.