| Children
already know that a culturally diverse world is more interesting
than one filled with cultural sameness. Whether related to
language, dress, cuisine, instrument, song, dance or custom
students appreciate culturally immersive experiences from
which they learn, by which they grow and to which they look
forward. Our diversity programs offer kids this kind of immersive
experience.
For our three-day program we use a three-point
approach. First, we encourage students to reflect on and
verbally share their culturally diverse experiences. This
sets the tone for appreciating diversity among members of
groups often considered homogenous. In this part of the
program we find and validate diversity within. Next, we
offer students new, immersive and culturally diverse experiences.
Often this will be the first time students have the chance
to play African or Latin drums or dance African or Latin
dances or sing African or Latin songs. This part of the
program involves finding diversity without, learning an
authentic African and/or Latin dance, rhythm or song. Last,
we help students bring it all together in a party format.
This involves celebrating diversity and involves learning
Latin dances, eating authentic Latin cuisine and having
a blast. Thus we find diversity within, find diversity without
and celebrate diversity.
It would be our pleasure to discuss
this program in detail and understand how it applies to
your school.
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