How Ms. Jasmina Thomson Combines Her Efforts in Teaching, Learning and Volunteering
New York, NY — Jasmina Thomson, an English teacher at New Milford High School in Connecticut, takes an innovative teaching method to challenge her students’ critical thinking, research skills and sense of justice.
Ms. Thomson recently assigned special homework to her classes—to summarize the biography of a Holocaust Savior, one of those who risked their own lives to save Jews and other persecuted by Nazism during the World WarⅡ. After grading and editing, Ms. Thomson and her 45 students will donate the biographies to the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, a non-profit organization that develops educational programs and campaigns based on the solidarity, civic courage and ethical cornerstones of the Saviors of Holocaust.
Ms. Thomson, who herself has been a writing volunteer at the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation since 2005, believes that her new assignment will not only enhance her students’ writing skills and historical knowledge, but will also stimulate them to take part in the pursuit of humanitarianism. To most of her students, the assignment is their first experience in volunteering at a non-profit organization, especially the one dedicated to commemorate justice and correct injustice.
In collaborating with Ms. Thomson, the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation came up with the idea of posting the biographies on the Foundation’s website, where students can review the articles in person and feel proud of their work.
”This will be a great incentive to other instructors as well,” hopes Ms. Daniela Bajar, Director of Programs and Special Projects at the Foundation. ”Holocaust Saviors like Raoul Wallenberg, who rescued over 100,000 Jews during his six-month stay in Hungary as a Swedish diplomat, are very good vehicle to educate the importance of human dignity, liberty and justice.
