Lesson Type: Featured Lesson

This week we explore how a former refugee, Ismail Ahmed, developed an app that is addressing the critical issue of illiteracy in Somaliland. The app, called Daariz, provides free and engaging educational content to teach reading and writing skills to individuals who lack access to quality education. By utilizing technology that works offline, Daariz reaches those in remote areas where traditional schooling is not available. Through the story of Hodan Artan, a single mother who learns to read using Daariz, we see how this innovative solution empowers individuals, improves their future prospects, and fosters positive change in their communities.

This lesson explores the story of Detective Michael Harton and five year old “Tooka”. On one fateful day in a Connecticut movie theater, Harton’s heroic actions saved Tooka’s life when she was just a baby. Through his selfless actions, Harton fulfilled his duty as a police officer and shows us the importance of courage, wisdom […]

For Black History Month we are featuring Alice Marie Johnson, who from humble beginnings built a successful career, got caught up in some illegal activities and went to prison, but didn’t let that stop her from making a profound impact on the world.

After Shamayim Harris, affectionately known as “Mama Shu”, faced the tragic losses of both of her sons, Mama Shu transformed her grief into a powerful force for positive change.

Marquette University and Children’s Wisconsin collaborate in the inspiring “Go Baby Go!” program. Engineering students volunteer to customize motorized toy cars for children with special needs, allowing over 300 kids to explore and have fun despite mobility challenges. The program not only brings joy to the children but also offers valuable learning experiences for students, […]

Today’s lesson is about Rodney Smith Jr., a man who has dedicated his life to helping others through his nonprofit, “Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service.” Despite facing challenges as an immigrant from Jamaica, being raised by a single mother, and his own teachers telling him that he would amount to nothing because of his learning disability, Smith has turned his life into an inspiring example of selflessness and kindness. Through his initiative, Smith provides free lawn care to the elderly, single parents, and veterans and is inspiring young men and women across America to rise to the challenge and mow lawns for free in their own communities.

Each year, The Academy Awards presents its famous golden statue, the “Oscar,” to honor the best films, actors, directors, screenwriters and other aspects of filmmaking. This year’s awards are historic because for the first time Asian Americans received the Oscar for best actress and  best supporting actor. After 40 years of a mostly failed acting career, Ke Huy Quon won best supporting actor in “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”. Quan’s comeback not only made Hollywood history, but also serves as an inspiration to all of us in being patient, rising above unfortunate circumstances, and never giving up on our dreams. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s good to look to the past for inspiration as well as to those living today who serve to inspire us through their accomplishments and most importantly through their work with helping others. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is a great opportunity to do this as it is awarded each year to an NFL player who like Walter Payton, the famed running back of the Chicago Bears, excels athletically and in service to others. This year’s recipient is Dakota Prescott. Prescott is the Dallas Cowboys famous quarterback who has overcome significant personal obstacles, and is using what he learned and experienced from his family’s tragedy to help others similarly in need.