Why We IGC: A Conversation with Christa Talbott
January 12th, 2021
We’re sitting down with some of our favorite educators and learning why they participate in the Iron Giraffe Challenge, where schools step up to fund our clean water projects, and then are entered to win special prizes from our team, including a visit from founder Salva Dut.
For this feature, we interviewed Christa Talbott, an educator at Lusher Charter School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Under Christa’s leadership, Lusher has raised over $80,000 for Water for South Sudan, bringing clean water to hundreds of people in the communities that need it the most. Thank you for all you do, Christa!
For more information about the Iron Giraffe Challenge, please click here.
Why did you first decide to participate in the Iron Giraffe Challenge? How did you learn of it?
When I started teaching 6th grade world history, my principal at the time suggested that I read A Long Walk to Water. I read it and was instantly drawn into Salva’s story. I immediately connected that Salva and his classmates were not so different from the kids sitting in my classroom daydreaming about going home for a snack. Due to circumstances beyond his control, his life was forever changed. In that moment, I realized that my students and I have the capacity and power to help. After living through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I understand how important the empathy and support of others can be.
How did your participation in the IGC enrich the learning experience for your students? What do you think they got out of it?
Participation in the IGC over the years has enhanced my student’s learning experience. I read the book aloud to my classes to allow for deep discussion. I feel that this creates a meaningful connection and understanding of things that happen in the world. Often, it is easy to feel as though we are separate and disconnected from bad things that are happening to other people far away. Through these discussions, I believe the kids are able to connect with Salva and Nya, as normal kids. This creates greater empathy for people different from us. We need this so much in the world today.
What has been the most inspiring part of fundraising with your students?
The most inspiring part of doing this fundraiser is witnessing how invested my students are. If you ask them why they are working so hard to raise the money, they can give you a detailed explanation focusing on the importance of building wells for people to have a basic human need. It warms my heart.
Christa Talbott, educator at Lusher Charter School
Students at Lusher Charter School
Did anything about doing the IGC surprise you?
I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of money raised each year, both from students and the organization as a whole. In the last five years, my 6th graders have raised over $80,000 and funded building a new well each year. Watching my kids recognize and embrace their power to change the world is always a pleasant surprise. The work that WFSS has done is amazing and inspiring.
What would you say to a teacher considering participating in the IGC? Do you have any advice for them?
I would encourage any teacher to participate in the IGC. Every year I feel like there is no way I can raise more money than the year before. Every year, my kids prove me wrong. I think the most important thing that I do is read the book aloud with all of my kids to allow them to really connect and take to heart being good stewards of the world.
Community members gathered around a Lusher-funded well
Lusher’s name written in the cement of a new well
