First Steps to Cultural Understanding for US Teens

Summary

This project introduces the practice of utilizing teens from developing nations in a reverse cross culture training experience to enhance cultural understanding in U.S. teens.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

U.S. teens are generally deficient in understanding life issues of teens in other cultures. This need became apparent during previous interactions among youth from Wisconsin and Nicaragua. The components included in this project will provide opportunities U.S. high school students to learn from their Nicaraguan counterparts. The U.S. students will increase their cultural understanding and share this knowledge with peers in their respective schools and communities.

How will this project solve this problem?

Initial events: Regional Partners of the Americas Conference (panel discussion on international youth issues), Fiesta Nicaragua (exposure and education about Nicaraguan Culture), and student planned community cultural education events. Following initial events, Nicaraguan and Wisconsin youth will continue to plan local events and projects in their own communities complimented by periodic travel exchanges to share activities and lessons learned.

Potential Long Term Impact

Increased passion and capacity among teens for their responsibilities as global citizens and social entrepreneurs. Youth working together can make a significant difference!

Project Message

Lack of understanding is a source of tension in our society. People fail to understand others because of fear, self-centeredness, and failure to appreciate differences & acknowledge similarities.
- Nicole Thomas, Evansville, Wisconsin High School Student

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

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