Back to In Our Village homepage >> An invitation to participate in a global service-learning venture from Cathryn Berger Kaye, M.A. and Barbara Cervone, Ed.D. What is In Our Global Village?
In the preface to In Our Village: Kambi ya Simba Through the Eyes of Its Youth, Barbara Cervone notes: “On our parting, they [the students] told me this: It astounds us—and we remain unconvinced—that anyone outside our village cares about our lives and our challenges.” In Our Global Village (IOGV) is a response, a message that others do in fact care about the lives and challenges of people near and distant. How will this message be conveyed to Kambi ya Simba students? In October 2006, we invited youth across the globe to write a book about their “village,” their community in whatever form that is—and contribute both tangible books and a virtual copy to be uploaded to this website. In the months since, the response has been tremendous. There are currently over 30 IOGV projects underway, both in the US and internationally. A $20,000 grant from the Shinnyo-en Foundation is helping us bring the project to an international stage. What kinds of books are students creating? What is wonderful and true, so far, about this global exchange of local stories is that every IOGV book seems unique, capturing the diverse ways students see their “village”—whether it be Los Angeles, CA or a hamlet in Vietnam. The students span grades 3 to 12, and their teachers include language arts, social studies, science, media and arts, and more. Some of the books in process offer a collection of community "snapshots" similar to the original book written by Awet Secondary School students. Others are more targeted: for example, one class is working on a book that will collect oral histories from local elders. Another is doing an IOGV book devoted to local agriculture. A new group of Tanzanian students has just completed a bi-lingual field guide to birds in their region (southwestern Tanzania), complete with wonderful colored pencil drawings; a young volunteer with Jane Goodall's international Roots and Shoots network coached the students in their research and book preparation. In sum, the design of IOGV is fluid; it's meant to be adaptable to any learning environment, curricular objective, and student ability. To us this is a big plus, although we recognize the challenges this freedom brings. Our IOGV "family" also honors youth voice and choice, giving students the opportunity to shape the experience themselves (also a teaching challenge, but well worth it we believe). And by having students interview folks in their community, conduct research, and write and illustrate for a public audience, they sharpen their connections to the community at the same time that they learn new skills. How do I join the In Our Global Village family? There is no “right” process for creating your own IOGV publication. We want to leave ample room for youth voice and choice, ingenuity, creativity, academic skill development, and local connections. However, we ask that you: Register your interest or involvement: Email inourglobalvillage@whatkidscando.org to receive emails and communications about the project. Questions and ideas will circulate to participants. Use the book In Our Village as a model. The book provides ideas and a ready form to follow. Information on obtaining copies is found later in this announcement. Facilitate a student-run process whereby students:
Produce a book. These can be bound in whatever manner is easiest and most available, such as using staples or spirals. Students can investigate options and create their own methods. Mail four copies: one to the students of Kambi ya Simba; one copy to What Kids Can Do; and two copies to Cathryn Berger Kaye—one of these copies will be given to another school embarking on the project and one will be part of a traveling display. (Addresses provided below.) Submit an electronic file to What Kids Can Do to be uploaded to the inourvillage.org website.
Creating a book about their “village” is local. Students may decide to study aspects of their community that parallel what the Kambi ya Simba chose to tell. A class may emphasize their environmental or civic studies and write a book from that perspective. The pages can represent an in-depth examination of any aspect of community that is authentic with the classroom curricula, or is an extension of any student led activity. Students may also find many local avenues for sharing their good work. Note: Every global service-learning venture is strengthened through local action and vice versa. What about curricular connections? Writing and publishing a book of this kind can easily connect with many curricular areas and is meant to be a part of the academic process. Why go global? By connecting with people in faraway places, students may:
For multiple copies and discounts, go to www.ABCDBooks.org or contact info@nextgenerationpress.org. All proceeds from the book will fund student scholarships and educational supplies at Awet Secondary School. Contact information Cathryn Berger Kaye, CBK Associates, International Service Learning Consultants Barbara Cervone, President, What Kids Can Do, Inc. | Next Generation Press Awet Secondary School |
PO Box 603252 • Providence, RI 02906 USA • Info@whatkidscando.org • 401.247.7665
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