As a fourth grader, Aleah recently completed a unit on influential role models. She chose to research Eleanor Roosevelt. She first had to interview us about our role models and how they've influenced who we are today. She then studied various role models in class (including Nelson Mandela) before starting her own research from a variety of different angels. The project culminated with a Glogster report she and other students presented to parents. What struck me most was Aleah's reponse on how Eleanor Roosevelt influenced her....I'll be sure to include that in a later blog since she has the paper at school. I really felt it was the layers of learning that led up to her deeper understanding. Yes, her response gave me goosebumps.
So...the day she presented her project was also the "Parade of Nations" and other festivities recognizing UN week. Students came dressed representing their home country and brought cultural foods to share in the afternoon (we brought the least creative, but most popular- oreos). Throughout the week parents also presented about different topics representing their home country or other experiences they've had abroad. I presented in different classrooms on my experiences in Uganda. That afternoon the parade and assembly were particularly moving as 43 countries were represented. Students and parents came together to participate.
Living in Istanbul, I am much more attuned to all the challenges, suffering, and issues in the world today....even more, the problems our children will have to solve in the years to come. Sometimes, it feels like such a heavy weight when I really stop and think about it. On the other hand, being in the auditorium with children and parents united and coming together to celebrate UN Week was so uplifting and encouraging- I left with a renewed sense of HOPE. Peace is possible.