HALF THE SKYWomen’s Economic Empowerment0116StandardsCommon Core State Standardsfor English Language Arts& Literacy in History/SocialStudies, Science, and TechnicalSubjectsWriting Standards 6–123. (9–10, 11–12) Write narratives todevelop real or imagined experiences orevents using effective technique, wellchosendetails, and well-structured eventsequences.4. (9–10, 11–12) Produce clear andcoherent writing in which the development,organization, and style are appropriateto task, purpose, and audience. (Gradespecificexpectations for writing types aredefined in standards 1–3 above.)6. (9–10, 11–12) Use technology,including the Internet, to produce, publish,and update individual or shared writingproducts, taking advantage of technology’scapacity to link to other information and todisplay information flexibly and dynamically.Speaking and Listening Standards1. (9–10, 11–12) Initiate and participateeffectively in a range of collaborativediscussions (one-on-one, in groups, andteacher-led) with diverse partners on [grade9–12] topics, text, and issues, buildingon others’ ideas and expressing their ownclearly and persuasively.4. (11–12) Present information, findings,and supporting evidence, conveying a clearand distinct perspective, such that listenerscan follow the line of reasoning, alternativeor opposing perspectives are addressed,and the organization, development,substance, and style are appropriate topurpose, audience, and a range of formaland informal tasks.5. (9–10, 11–12) Make strategic useof digital media (e.g., textual, graphical,audio, visual, and interactive elements) inpresentations to enhance understanding offindings, reasoning, and evidence and toadd interest.Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and TechnicalSubjects 6–121. (9–10, 11–12) Write arguments focusedon discipline-specific content.4. (9–10, 11–12) Produce clear andcoherent writing in which the development,organization, and style are appropriate totask, purpose, and audience.7. (9–10, 11–12) Conduct short as wellas more sustained research projectsto answer a question (including a selfgeneratedquestion) or solve a problem;narrow or broaden the inquiry whenappropriate; synthesize multiple sources onthe subject, demonstrating understandingof the subject under investigation.9. (9–10, 11–12) Draw evidence frominformational texts to support analysis,reflection, and research.National Curriculum Standardsfor Social Studies1. CULTUREThrough the study of culture and culturaldiversity, learners understand how humanbeings create, learn, share, and adapt toculture, and appreciate the role of culture inshaping their lives and society, as well thelives and societies of others.4. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENTAND IDENTITYPersonal identity is shaped by family,peers, culture, and institutional influences.Through this theme, students examinethe factors that influence an individual’spersonal identity, development, and actions.5. INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, ANDINSITITUTIONSInstitutions such as families and civic,educational, governmental, and religiousorganizations exert a major influence onpeople’s lives. This theme allows studentsto understand how institutions are formed,maintained, and changed, and to examinetheir influence.10. CIVIC IDEALS AND PRACTICESAn understanding of civic ideals andpractices is critical to full participationin society and an essential componentof education for citizenship. This themeenables students to learn about therights and responsibilities of citizensof a democracy, and to appreciate theimportance of active citizenship.National Standards for ArtsEducation Grades 9–12VA1: Understanding and applying media,techniques, and processesVA5: Reflecting upon and assessing thecharacteristics and merits of their work andthe work of others
HALF THE SKY: WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTStudent Handout A:Living On $2 A DayThe Cost of Living inLiberia on $2 per DayExchange Rate:US $1 = 50 Liberian dollars (LRD)Living on $2 per day = Living on 3,000Liberian dollars per month*all values listed in LRD1. HousingMonthly rent $12,250Cooking gas/$300/monthKerosene/CoalElectricity$14,700/monthWater$7,350/month2. TransportationOne-way bus ticket to work $253. Meal PlanningPound of rice $245Pound of sugar $73.50Ten tea bags $98Pound of grain $65Pound of tomatoes $98Pound of zucchini $49Pound of onions $49Bottle of Coca-Cola $85Small goat $500Small chicken $2504. Education FeesSchool feesand materials$900/month/child5. ClothingWork shirt $245Work trousers $245Shoes $986. Cost of Personal ItemsSoap$1.50 for pack of six barsShampoo $1.50Toothpaste $147Toothbrush $49Toilet paper$250 for six rolls7. MedicineAntimalaria drugs $343Budget WorksheetImagine that you are part of a family (you, your spouse, and one child)living on $2 per day in Liberia. Using the Cost of Living Worksheetfor reference, work with your team to fill out the budget chart below.Step 1: In the Need column, list the costs in Liberian dollars for each of the items that afamily of three would need during one month. Add up the total costs and compare thattotal with your monthly income of $3,000 LRD. Are your total expenses more or less thanyour income?Step 2: Revisit your need list and eliminate or add items and expenses to keep your monthlybudget at or below your income. List the amounts for all of the items and expenses thatremain in the Can Afford column.Step 3: List the cost of all of the items that you need but cannot afford in the Can’tHave column.BASICS NEED CAN AFFORD CAN’T HAVERentWaterElectricityCooking fuelSchool fees7 lbs. rice4 lbs. tomatoes5 lbs. zucchini20 bottles Coca-Cola1 lb. sugar7 lbs. onions2 small chickensSoap (1 bar)Toothpaste (1/2 tube)Antimalaria drugsTOTAL8. Other Assorted ItemsTV $14,700Adapted from the UN Millennium Campaign’s Student Voices against Poverty:The Millennium Campaign Curriculum Projectwww.un.org/works/Lesson_Plans/MDGs/MDG_Curriculum_US.pdf