Connecting in the new year

The year begins in full swing.

We start the Connecting Project this week after taking a long December break. I have asked the children to choose two countries, one in Africa and one other country wherever they prefer. They have chosen America and Egypt and so begins my preparation to create nodes of communication in these two countries.

On my last visit to Blikkies I had given the children cameras to start the ball rolling with this project. This Saturday I will be collecting these and we will be discussing what types of pictures they took and why. I will also be asking them to write about the countries they have chosen. I would like them to reflect upon their ideas of these countries. Later, the children will be creating a map of Blikkiesdorp, indicating the areas that are most important to them. Once these areas are identified, we will ask them to write a short paragraph about why these spaces are of importance to them. In these paragraphs we would like the children to share what activities one can do and also what one can see there. Using this content, we draft letters to some children in the two countries identified.
 The main idea is to establish relationships outside of their immediate circle of communication and to broaden their sense of both their innner and external worlds. Furthermore, this project endevaours to teach children about people and communities in Africa and the world, encouraging dialogue and exchange. It is also hoped that the children use this as a platform to reflect upon their emotions and feelings.
I'm looking forward to seeing them again and continuing with creative Education!

If anyone knows or has a link to children of a similar age (12 - 16 years old) in either America or Egypt please let us know. Let's make our cirlce bigger!