More than 500 fifth graders from California’s national school districts participated in programs that taught them about gun control, immigration and other social justice advancements.
A school district just outside of San Diego, California, has partnered with a program called “Heroes of Color” that lets students animate videos related to social justice topics.
CNN visited participating schools Here are some of the programs and topics selected by our 11- and 12-year-old students.
“I chose racism because to me racism is something we see all the time, it’s real, and I feel like everyone should be treated the same. Not because we are different, but because we are all the same.” A boy named Christian.
Each example given was pretty harsh about world hunger, like Axel’s. “I feel bad, I feel really bad about this,” he said. “They don’t have my life.”
“You think guns should be allowed? Well, I don’t,” said a video of gun violence by a child named Hiroshi.
A video about immigration by a child named Andre says, “Immigration is a problem for everyone. They separate individuals from each other. It’s kind of injustice.”
Sharmila Kraft, deputy superintendent of education services for the National School District, said she believes it is necessary to support student activities.
“If these are the issues, these are the factors that young people face as they grow up, and we believe it is our responsibility to support them by learning how to manipulate some of the nuances. .
The five-week program was founded by former animator David Heredia. Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Collectibles. Heredia has an educational video series known as “Heroes of Color” and Book.
Heredia told CNN, “People get offended when they are put in a situation where they talk about something that is not their experience.” “So I think it’s unfair to put a muzzle on a kid who wants to express his feelings,” he added.
Children were rewarded for their animation projects by walking the red carpet with photographers, animated backdrops for the program, and CNN cameras.
CNN correspondent Camila Bernal said, “It’s made them feel like celebrities when they share their animations with the world.
Deputy Superintendent Kraft did not respond to a request for comment.
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