Africa... I'm ready! Since 2001, I've done a lot of traveling. I've spent substantial time in Spain over the course of many summers, short vacations in Italy and Paris, two months in Chile, various weeks in Peru between 2006 and 2012, and most recently, I spent three weeks in Costa Rica. I've done so much traveling to Spanish speaking countries in order to enhance my language skills and always have new cultural experiences to bring to my students. This will be my first time in Africa. I couldn't be more excited. I am traveling as a part of the Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellowship with the US Department of State. I will be in Ghana for two weeks. The first few days will be spent in the capital, Accra, and a week will be spent in Sunyani, working with and teaching at Notre Dame Secondary Schools for Girls. From gathering information via the internet, I've learned that Notre Dame Secondary School is one of the best schools in the country, but the area historically had one of the lowest education rates for girls in all of Ghana. The motto of the school is "We Are One." It is also a boarding school, so there are girls that come from villages throughout Ghana. Classes are conducted in English, however, many languages are represented in the school. I love this motto. It made me think about my own high school. At my high school, over half the population constitutes of minorities (I think I need to make a blog post about why I hate that word), mostly being Hispanic. There are over 20 languages spoken by students within the district. The history of our town in rooted in Dutch colonization, and sometimes it seems to me that the city is still trying to figure out its identity, often going back and forth between its traditional history and current multicultural status. I have been asked to develop an essential question while I'm in Ghana; one that I can take perspectives of and apply locally. Using the theme "We are One" and what I've learned about the school, my question is "How does a diverse school create a shared identity while still honoring individual traditions and beliefs?" I'm excited to see how their "we are one" motto plays out in the school's daily and yearly activities, as well as its programs. I wonder if it's what kids rally around. I'm curious if it empowers all in their learning and growth. I simply can't wait for this experience! So much to learn, so much to see, so much to gain! "I can see myself in all things and all people around me." ~Sanskrit phrase
1 Comment
3/11/2014 11:55:02 pm
I love your essential question and how you linked it to the school's motto. This question is so relevant in our world.
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AuthorI am a teacher, traveler, and life-long learner. I connect students and teachers to globally -focused learning. I believe students crave to understand and interact with the world. I have a Michigan home, and a global heart. Archives
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