By Lisa Guanci Allen, Co-Chair, Children's Cultural Connection
The Junior League of Miami is making cultural connections through our new project, "The Children's Cultural Connection."
The Children's Cultural Connection project was adopted as another response to the Junior League's "families at risk" focus area. The goal of the project is to first expose at-risk children to a variety of art and music cultural events in order to expand their readiness to learn and develop the analytical skills for academic success. The second goal is to break down social and economic barriers to understanding and developing an appreciation for our cultural diversities.
The desired outcome is that the Liberty City Charter School and Silver Bluff Elementary children will be exposed at an early age to culture and music, as well as each other's cultural differences through shared positive experiences. These experiences will increase the ability of these children to academically succeed and will produce understanding, tolerance and friendships required to build a united community.
By the end of our League year 1998-99, the committee will have accomplished several things:
- Developed and integrated into the two schools a "Cultural Connection Curriculum" based on the required objectives of Miami-Dade County Public Schools for second graders.
- Coordinated and introduced seven or more cultural events in our community for about 50 or 60 students from the Charter School in Liberty City and Silver Bluff Elementary in Little Havana.
- Connected via the Internet e-mail "pen-pals" or "buddy groups" that were established at the beginning of the project.
What is it all about?
This new Junior League project seeks to unite children of different ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds through cultural activities and a group buddy program. Early exposure to fine arts has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on learning ability and on character development. Yet, children from lower economic backgrounds are less likely to be exposed to such activities.
Who is involved?
The Urban League of Greater Miami, The Junior League of Greater Miami and Miami-Dade Commissioner Jimmy Morales.
The target schools
The Liberty City Charter School targets the academic and social development of 140 children, kindergarten through grade 5. Silver Bluff Elementary is a public elementary school in Little Havana with more than 500 children, kindergarten through grade 5. A cross-cultural, cross-socioeconomic exchange between children in Little Havana and Liberty City could be mutually beneficial in creating, nurtuing and expanding an understanding across neighborhoods. Children, parents and entire families will be better equipped to meet and conquer challenges in building a united community.
Get involved
Your involvement is crucial! Any connection you have with culturally related organizations could be very helpful. Please let Chair Kara MacCullough hear from you if you can assist.
