Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
History classes teach us about important leaders and activists who changed the world. However, most people who do good for their communities do not appear in textbooks.
There are people all around us working hard for the greater good. They are creating a lot of positive changes and helping others.
Think about how life would be different without firefighters. They have dangerous jobs and often risk their lives to save others. While firefighters might not be famous, they are important for keeping our city safe.
Hong Kong would not run without the bus, tram, ferry, and MTR drivers and staff. They transport millions of people across the city each day. We rely on them. But these workers are often underappreciated and overlooked.
We should also thank the attendants at public toilets and other city workers who keep Hong Kong clean. Don’t forget the farmers and truck drivers who grow and transport the food we eat.
It’s OK to be inspired by famous people who cure diseases and create inventions. However, remember the people you see every day who have a positive impact on Hong Kong and the world.
Some of them might be strangers, but some are people that you know! Be sure to say “thank you” for their hard work.
A letter to your everyday heroes
Materials
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pen
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paper
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envelope and postage stamps
Instructions
1. Sit down with your parents or friends and brainstorm some people who make a difference in our city. This could be anyone from firefighters to the bus drivers who help us get around. It could even be your teacher or the person who cooks meals at your school.
2. Choose one person (such as a domestic worker) or a group of people (such as firefighters) and write them a letter. You might be tempted to type the letter on a computer, but it’s better to write it by hand because it is a more personal and meaningful way to express gratitude.
3. In the letter, acknowledge what these people do every day and tell them why you appreciate their work.
4. Once you finish writing the letter, fold it and put it in the envelope. If you’re sending it to a specific person, you can ask a parent to help you send it or hand it to them yourself. You could also email your letter to [email protected], and we may publish it in Posties!
Research a famous person in history
Materials
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computer or tablet with internet
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questions listed below
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pen or pencil
Instructions
1. Choose a person from history who has changed the world. You might have to do some research first to find someone you want to learn more about.
2. Once you decide on a person, look for answers to the questions on the worksheet below.
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What is this person’s name?
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Where did this person live, and when?
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What kind of upbringing did they have?
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What did this person to do change the world? How did they do it?
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What were some important historical moments or factors during this time period that affected this person’s life?
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Did this person face any obstacles in changing the world? If so, how did they overcome them?
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How have this person’s actions impacted our world today?
