Participate Learning’s Post

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth in the U.S. At Childhood Education International, we are celebrating and honoring the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous communities in the U.S. and around the world. 📚 Knowledge and experience are powerful tools in fostering understanding and respect. This month is a good time for educators to seek out more opportunities to uplift and include indigenous peoples' histories, languages, traditions, and contributions in their lessons. 🏫 Schools and other education settings should be inclusive and welcoming environments that respect all cultures and backgrounds. Unfortunately, these settings have often been used to denigrate and deny indigenous cultures, histories, and languages. Let's work together to build education environments that are inclusive, respectful, sustaining, and holistic. 🌎 All children worldwide deserve access to a quality education and a welcoming, supportive environment. Let's learn, grow, and build a better future together. Image description: Beige background with yellow, orange, and light-green words that say, "Native American Heritage Month." Yellow, orange, and light-green designs around the edges.

5 Ways Latin American Cultural Norms Shape the College Search Cultural factors play a major role in how Latin American students approach the college search: 1. Consul with trusted sources like family, teachers, and alumni networks for guidance 2. Seek out culturally relevant campus resources like Latin American student organizations 3. Prefer high-context communication with a warm, personal touch. 4. Look for financial support options to fulfill family obligations 5. Value institutions that celebrate diversity and provide a welcoming community Colleges that adapt their outreach and services to these cultural norms can build stronger connections with Latin American students. #CulturalCompetence #HigherEd 

First day of class! I am really looking forward to taking this amazing group of students through a cross cultural journey in my Intro to Intercultural Studies class this semester. In the next 16 week, they will be exposed to: 💡A theoretical (theological) understanding of cross cultural engagement. 💡A historical account of cross cultural work. 💡 Practical skills for relating cross culturally. 💡 A robust understanding of cross cultural communication. 💡 A deeper understanding of what it means to develop cross cultural leadership. 💡 A look at the various contexts for cross cultural work (e.g., Asian, African, Latin American). 💡 A well-rounded look at international missions work (e.g., aid and relief, international charities). 💡 The role of missions in addressing poverty and social concerns. 💡 And a look at the experiences (both positive and challenges) of cross cultural workers. I know it’s only the first day, but I can already tell how fun it will be to teach this group of students. #teaching #equippingthenextgeneration #collegestudents #phdlife #latinoprof

Join the Movement: Empowering Global Citizenship in Education 🌍 At Inspire Citizens, we are creating a powerful and impactful movement to bring more purpose and impact to education. As the person responsible for registrations this year, I wanted to understand the true impact of our program. So, I reached out to our graduates from the very first class in 2020 and received the most wonderful testimonial from Patrick Huewe, the department chair of world languages at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS). Here’s what he shared: ▶ "Inspire Citizens' global citizenship course made a profound impact on my teaching approach, especially in fostering empathy, compassion, and cultural appreciation among my students. This shift has enabled them to grasp their influence on critical global issues, particularly those related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course helped me empower my students to see themselves as active contributors to a better world, ultimately leading to our successful participation in #GoalsProject in 2021 and other local school initiatives here in St. Louis, Missouri. I'm grateful for the opportunity to partner with Inspire Citizens. Their team of incredible mentors truly make a positive difference in our world." We opened registrations for September. I encourage all educators—teachers, admins, coordinators— to join us this year. You can register here: https://lnkd.in/eqV6-jSX Please, help us share this message and bring a cohort from your schools to inspire and empower students worldwide. #GlobalCitizenship #EducationForSustainability #InspireCitizens #Empowerment #Changemakers #SDGs #JoinTheMovement

A few people have asked me to explain the term intersectionality to them recently, so here is a short educational and practical resource👇🏼 Please let me know if you find it helpful

On Saturday, I had the incredible opportunity to share South African history and culture at my daughter's International school Culture evening. It's not uncommon for me to be the "Only ONE of" or "ONE of a few of" and as 2 of only 4 South African kids in the school my girls find themselves in a similar scenario. Over time, I've learnt to relish this opportunity, especially if there is curiosity and interest from others to learn and understand. As humans, we naturally find comfort in social settings and groups where our context is most understood and that is absolutely essential for a sense of community. There is, however, incredible learning and growth to be unlocked when we are the Only One representing the group. It's uncomfortable, but I realize that many of us may find ourselves in a setting sometimes where we are the "ONLY ONE" of whatever classification nature or nurture has given us. I'm convinced that when these situations arise, that we are there for a much larger purpose. You may be the ONLY ONE to break a bias, the ONE to enlighten others, the ONE to challenge the status quo, the ONE that becomes the catalyst for someone else's breakthrough in understanding! This all the while becoming more centred on who you are, where you come from, accepting what is in the past and working towards what you can change in the future. Do it for yourself and others! Be the ONE. #diversityequityinclusionandbelonging #breaking bias #educatetoempower #learning #growthmindset #speakup #betheone

It was a great honor to have a sit-down interview with Andres Quinones from Univision, the largest provider of Spanish-language content – reaching over 5 million Spanish speakers per day. The interview, part of a series titled "Common Stories of Extraordinary People", highlighted my extraordinarily unlikely story to and through Emory University and in particular the doctoral program at Emory University - Goizueta Business School onto an Assistant Professor position at the USC Marshall School of Business. For context, Hispanics make up 19% of the US population, yet less than 9% of US PhDs were awarded to Hispanics in 2022. This divergence is even more stark when considering that undocumented Americans, as I was, are less likely than the average American to enroll in college in the first place. This results from several systemic challenges which make college prohibitively expensive (out-of-state tuition, lack of funding opportunities) and socially difficult (family responsibilities, uncertain future outlook). During the interview, we discussed the critical role of mentorship, promoting affordable modes of mobility, and advocating for those who lack the legal or social standing to speak up for themselves.. This conversation underscored the importance of community engagement and of leveraging our individual privilege in support of those who lack such comforts. You can view the full interview on my website (linked below), where you will also find a transcript and translation. If you prefer reading, you will also find an article written by Nicole Golston which also chronicles my journey to and through Emory University.   https://lnkd.in/epYuctdd

Education is key! Take this month to educate yourself and others about the true history and experiences of Native Americans. Knowledge is a powerful tool for change. "Since time immemorial, Native Americans have lived on this continent, from the northern reaches of Alaska to the Gulf Coast of Florida. There are more than nine million Native Americans living in what is now the United States, representing hundreds of tribal nations with incredibly diverse languages, cultures and traditions. Here are just a few fascinating facts about the tribes and histories of Native Americans." https://lnkd.in/eSCwzXeC #EducationMatters #KnowTheHistory

In my latest article I talk about Campus resilience and the rise of woke culture. The rise of “Woke Culture,” “Cancel Culture,” and the erosion of traditional values have left students on many campuses grappling with a sense of unease and apprehension. Read more on how our students in the Raphael Recanati International School feel about studying in Israel. https://lnkd.in/dgZikJkg

I find this article so interesting. It makes me think about the sacrifices and wisdom we hope to impart for and to our children only for them to want something completely different. Our goals should always be to provide opportunities and direction, but to never expect gratitude, recognition or the same ambition from our younger generation. We should be curious about our youths future, but not expectant. Hope and joy should replace expectation and judgement. Our youth will change the future, but it will be in their way, not ours.   https://lnkd.in/eGaC7Pb5