Mo Khani has taught geography at Sinclair Community College since 1997 and has always involved his classes in catastrophe relief.
Since a series of earthquakes hit Haiti last month, Khani and his six geography classes have donated money to help Haitians get back on their feet. On Jan. 29, Khani said he deposited $553.48 to the American Red Cross.
“In my classes, I want students to think about other countries,” Khani said. “We talk about world issues such as poverty and the sub-standard conditions of life in other parts of the world. It’s unfortunate when something like this happens.”
Geography student Kim Swango said seeing her instructor give students a way to help was great to see.
“I thought it was the coolest thing,” Swango said. “The students are coming forward and are excited to help.”
Swango said Khani has been very grateful by reaching out to students. Khani said he provides receipts to students to show the money is being placed in the correct hands.
Khani said most Haitians live on less than a dollar per day.
“Look how many dollars a day we waste,” he said. “A cup of coffee is more than the livelihood of a person in Haiti. We just don’t think about it.”
Khani said the events in Haiti have helped put worldly conditions into perspective for his students.
“I’ve been really, really proud of how giving students have been,” Khani said. “(Haiti) needs help. For Americans, it doesn’t matter until something like this happens. Then it becomes real.”
Khani said he would accept donations from anybody who is interested in helping the cause. Students, staff and faculty can contact Khani at 512-5183.
“If anybody wants to contribute, I’d more than welcome it,” he said. “I always tell my students that nobody can come to you and force you to give. But I think it’s the sense of humanity we have. As human beings, we should be compassionate and we should be sympathetic.”