During the week of January 23-27, Faith Christian School held a “World Concerns” conference. The objective of the week included introducing five organizations dedicated to eradicating major issues facing the world today such as poverty, famine and human trafficking.

The conference included the following organizations:

• A21 highlights human trafficking as an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. While the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time.
• International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that helps victims of slavery, exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. A Faith Christian alumna enrolled at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill shared about her volunteer involvement with the UNC chapter of the International Justice Mission.
• Open School International focuses on the importance of education especially in impoverished areas. Many students around the world attend school without the benefits of desks and basic school resources.
• Hope International is a Christian faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty through microenterprise development.
• World Vision assists people with adopting a young person from the Third World and supporting them in basic needs and education.

Several Faith Christian students researched each “World Concern” and students from all grades participated in panel discussions and prayer for each organization. The high school and middle school students raised $1,033 and purchased a cow and two chickens to help provide nourishment and resources for a village in Haiti.

The elementary student body focused on learning about “Hoops of Hope.” Hoops of Hope is an organization that was started by Austin Gutwein when he was 9 years old. He raises money for AIDS orphans in Africa by shooting basketballs.

The elementary students raised funds through sponsorships and participated in shooting free throws to support the cause. Faith Christian elementary students raised $3,710.60 and made 2,463 goals in support of Hoops of Hope. All of the money raised goes directly to the organization who then uses 100 percent of it to help provide for AIDS orphans in Africa. One of the initiatives of Faith Christian is to teach students about local and global concerns in an effort to make a difference in the 21st century.