Tamara Netzel’s sixth-grade English classes at Plaza Middle School recently experienced learning in conditions similar to students in Malawi, Africa. Students sat on the floor instead of at their desks, and turned off the power in the classroom – no technology or lights.

The classes discussed the educational hardships that kids face in Malawi; what it would be like not to be able to go to school, or to have to go to a school without power or desks.

This activity is launching Netzel’s community and service learning project in which students will raise funds to purchase desks for a school in Malawi. Netzel’s connection to Malawi is longstanding as her classes have helped to provide thousands of dollars to purchase materials and resources for the African village.