Doing Good in the Neighborhood: One Teacher’s Mission Possible

Carolina Musawwir doesn't exactly take a break when summer comes around.

In 2015, she created Peaceful Planet, an integrated summer reading program for rising second and third graders. It's hosted at George Watts Elementary School, where Musawwir works as a teacher and literacy interventionist. "The summer months are the perfect time to provide extra instruction," she says. This year, the program served 45 students from Watts Elementary and Morehead Elementary School.

Musawwir created the curriculum for Peaceful Planet, which is designed to improve reading skills. The five-week program also incorporates "big history," which teaches the history of humans by exploring the entire known past from the beginning of the universe. When they're not reading and writing, Peaceful Planet students can be found cooking, practicing yoga, gardening, and going on field trips.

Musawwir is committed to helping to close the achievement gap, and she sees Peaceful Planet as a key part of the process. “The basic skill of reading is one of the most essential things that we as a society can impart to ensure a positive future for our children.”

Click here to meet Musawwir and watch a video about Peaceful Planet.

Through Doing Good in the Neighborhood, Duke employees have supported summer learning for 45 students in a hands-on, creative, and joyful summer learning program.

Peaceful Planet is just one of the education programs supported by Duke employees through Duke's Doing Good in the Neighborhood. To learn more about the employee giving campaign and make a donation, visithttp://doinggood.duke.edu/.