Last year, I launched a multicultural project at the school I teach. The inspiration came from an organization called More Than Warmth (http://www.morethanwarmth.org/), which is a non-profit that sends quilts to schools, orphanages, hospitals, and other places from all around the world. After speaking with the director, I decided that our school, which is located in a priveleged community, would benefit greatly from an experience such as this. And so…..the journey soon began!
In December of 2008, the plan was created and everyone was on board: students, staff, and an abundance of community volunteers. By the end of this process, close to a year and a half later, over 26 different quilts were made and sent all around the world. Each classroom, from kindergarten up through sixth grade, chose a country to send their quilt. Students personally designed a quilt square, which was later joined with their classmates to form a giant, colorful classroom quilt. Once every classroom quilt was complete, they were sent. Ethiopia, Zambia, Sudan, India, Peru, Thailand, Tibet, and Jordan were just a few of the places where these blankets arrived. The students in our school learned about different cultures and what it meant to make a difference in the life of someone else.
Below is a quilt sent from one of our third grade classrooms to a village in Ethiopia
The first of four quilts sent by our sixth grade classrooms. They arrived
in Khartoum and Darfour
The students really did make an impact. One of our fourth grade classrooms had sent their quilt to Hurricane Katrina victims this past summer. This past week, I received the photo below with a note. It said that the students who received this quilt were inspired to make their own. Their quilt will soon be sent on to
Haiti for relief from the recent earthquake.
The second of four quilts sent to Sudan. The families in this village
were given quilts and teddy bears.
One of the best parts about my job is that I have been given the chance every single day to help empower kids. They have a voice. They have the ability to make a profound impact on the world. They have the chance to make a difference. Children are capable of great things if we believe in them and provide them with opportunities to create and sustain change. This project was intended to do just this……help kids to step outside of what they know and suburban experiences, in hopes of realizing just how fortunate and lucky they are! It was great to receive photographs back from these countries. The students have realized that their efforts served a purpose and was truly authentic! I highly recommend this project to anyone who is willing and has the time. I am forever changed because of it!
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