Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School students kicked off this school year’s service learning initiative with a “Moo,” raising over $1,000 to purchase livestock for hungry families and communities in developing countries.

The students partnered with Heifer International, a 501c3 non-profit organization who works with families in Africa and Asia, educating them on how to use gifts of livestock and plants to create sustainable lifestyles.

Students sold cookies and milk during snack time and after Mass during the month of September. Students also made and sold cow-print hair bows and awareness ribbons. The sales brought in $1,021.44, enough to purchase two cows for Heifer International.

Teachers incorporated a curricular component during daily lessons in social studies, math, language arts, and religion. The school used Heifer International’s “Read to Feed” program, teaching the message of sustainability through fictional literature. Students learned the importance of sustainability, “teaching a man to fish” with a hand-up rather than a hand-out. 

This project is part of a year-long schoolwide service learning initiative that partners students with non-profit organizations in an effort to live the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Next month, students will be “Thirsty for Change,” learning about the water crisis and working with The Water Project, a 501c3 that builds wells and sanitation systems in five African countries.

Renee Stoeckle
Vice Principal