Although a 9-hour time difference exists between Colorado and Uganda, the ability of students from each area to learn from one another isn’t diminished.
Students in the St. Vrain Valley School District are receiving cross-cultural education through the Mwebaza Foundation, deepening their worldview and making connections with students around the world.
Mwebaza holds partnerships with various elementary schools in Colorado that integrate a Building Critical Consciousness Curriculum. It fosters an understanding of global issues and inspires self-reflection at a young age, said Mwebaza’s School Development Director Hillari Hansen.
Dale Peterson, a former first grade teacher in the school district, pioneered the partnership with Ugandan students after he observed a lack of education on African culture in local schools. Since 2008, students in local elementary schools have participated in activities, fundraisers and pen pal exchanges with students in Uganda in order to trade knowledge and build connections.
“Traditionally, there’s been a one way flow of knowledge, but our Ugandan students educate us on the programs that we've partnered with to address global issues like access to water, access to electricity through renewable resources and food sovereignty,” said Mwebaza’s Executive Director Devaki Douillard.
When elementary school students move up to middle school, the ability to stay connected to Ugandan students remains accessible through the Mwebaza Clubs. The clubs work on broadening their world perspective through the understanding and participation in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, calls of action for countries to implement strategies for the wellbeing of the world. Students practice critical thinking skills and attend events that inspire global citizenship.
“Being able to have them look at what is happening in another community and reflect on what is happening, not just, in our community but across the United States … is really cool,” said Sunset Middle School’s Mwebaza Club Sponsor, Alex Armstrong.
Mwebaza Day happens in March, a celebratory day in which Coloradan students meet their Ugandan pen pals virtually, overcoming the nine-hour time difference.
“They are learning from each other and they realize that even though they are so far apart in distance, they have lives that are similar and the same needs and the same desires to make changes in the world. That piece of excitement that the kids have is the best part,” Hansen said.
