Cultural Education & Study Abroad Readiness

Tomesha explores Milwaukee's Polish Cultural Festival

Global LAB’s Cultural Education and Study Abroad Readiness (CESAR) program provides intercultural learning and leadership training for Milwaukee youth populations that have historically been under-represented in study-abroad programs. The program provides opportunities for Milwaukee’s youth to broaden their understanding of the world; learning of diverse people and cultures both in their communities and city as well as globally.

Students attend cultural festivals and events in Milwaukee during the summer; have guest speakers from different cultures lead cross-cultural educational sessions for them during the year; and learn about the importance of having study abroad experiences during high school and college along with stategies for identifying resources and support to make these opportunities happen.

Students’ global and cultural understanding will be shared with their home communities through various outreach projects and reflective practices throughout the year, ranging from making and displaying cultural heritage trees, to hosting international meals, to arranging events at their schools to bring cultural programs to a broader audience during International Education week in November, to exploring various interactive technologies, including blogging, video and audio streaming, and online photo-journalism.

Posted by Global LAB at 07:16 PM | Permalink

As an African American woman who came from a low-income family, I never thought that traveling outside of the United States was a viable option for me. All of this changed when I received a Rotary Scholarship to live a year in Mexico during high school. This opportunity changed my life--instead of going into the Army, which I had considered the most likely way to get money for college, I focused all of my energy on becoming all that I could be in the field of Intercultural Education. I feel it is my calling to help give others who are under-represented within my community the same opportunity for a life changing experience that Rotary offered me.

Continue reading "Greetings from Teneisha Ellis, Program Coordinator" »

Posted by Global LAB at 01:19 AM | Permalink

The students in the Cultural Education and Study Abroad Program have done some pretty exciting things thus far. To start off with we have gone to four festivals: Polish Fest, Bastille Days, Festa Italiana and German Fest. Before each of the festivals we conduct Culture Classes where we talk about misconceptions that we may have about that culture, reflect on when we first heard something negative about that culture, discuss whetherwe have ever actually met anyone from that culture, etc. We aso have a geography session and either watch or listen to a taste of that culture on video.

We also have Cultural Dish Days where we attempt to make something from that culture--this is a shot of Tamika and Tomesha enjoying a Polish cooking activity.

I give the students cameras to take pictures of what they see at Festivals and I let them keep a few copies to put into their Photo/Writing Journals.

We have visited the Black Holocaust Museum with a discussion after that as well. We have had discussions on what we as Americans have complained about or been critical of and have compared these issues to other cultures and what they have or don't have in the way of economic or cultural resources/advantages/disadvantages.

Tamike enjoying herself at the Polish Fest

Still working on finding a time that fits everyone so that we can take a tour of the Water Treatment Plant here and a tour of a pool and how they make sure water is safe for us before we talk about the environment. Hopefully this will happen the week after next.

Students at the Fiesta Italiana

We will be going to African World Festival this Saturday. After that, we will be focusing on Arab culture and exploring differences and similarities between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

More soon,

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 07:26 PM | Permalink

Since my last post our group has attended a Peace Rally for Youth, Arab World Fest, and have taken a tour of a public swimming pool to learn more about water systems and how the team there keeps the facility clean (afterward I allowed the students to enjoy open swim for a few hours).

This Friday we are going to Irish World Festival and coming up next week I am lining up a speaker who will discuss the subject of Immigration Rights because next Friday is Mexican World Festival. Also next week we are going to visit the Water Treatment Plant here in Milwaukee.

We are transitioning out of the summer phase of the program and introducing students to the Fall activities schedule, which will include a Mock Study Abroad Adventure as well as language classes.

I will be able to teach Beginning Spanish but I will need to find an Arabic and French or Mandarin teacher.
Also I hope to have the International Students from Cardinal Stritch University become involved with teaching the youth about their countries while they become accustomed to the US.

That's it for now,

T

Posted by Global LAB at 02:46 PM | Permalink

This week the participants and I went to the Mitchell Park Domes on our first meeting of the week. The Domes have a wide variety of plants and birds from around the world. To get the students more involved I developed a scavenger hunt that would allow them to work on teamwork/cooperation skills. The winning group of the hunt received a small plant of their choosing which I think that they liked. We also discussed which plants were edible, which could be made for housing materials and the longevity of many plants.

The second meeting of the week was a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory in a nearby town as a fun end of summer outing before they start school next week. All enjoyed the factory's train tour and free taste test of new flavors. Did you know that they are now developing a garlic flavored jelly been?

It continues to amaze me how many interesting activities exist in and near Milwaukee that the students never even knew about. They seem to enjoy everything that we have done so far and now we are launching into Fall Activities which will include Beginning Spanish Classes, Mock Study Abroad Research, and more speakers from around the world with the help of Cardinal Stritch University International Club members. We have also discussed the possibility of fundraising for a homestay and service program that is being planned for next summer to Mexico.

That is all for now...more updates will be coming more frequently in the future.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 11:16 PM | Permalink

This past week the group got one day off since their classes started on Tuesday but we made up for it with a great Friday Activity. We went to Indian Summer Festival on the Summerfest Grounds. We got to make dreamcatchers, listen to storytellers, music and enjoy great food. I think the stidentsenjoyed the Powow Competition the best. Tribes and groups came from all over to compete against one another. The creativity of the costumes and the brilliant colors, feathers and headdresses were amazing, not to mention of course the dancing.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Last week did not go very well because of the flood warning for Tuesday, but we did go to a Human Rights Roundtable and panel that Elizabeth Evans, from the Quaker Meeting House, generously donated tickets for me and 4 teens.

What surprised me was that the kids knew nothing about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights! I explained what it was, how the UN came about, Eleanor Roosevelt and rights that they had at school. I think I went too far with the rights at school because they were asking about ways to get them out of detention and questioning how many rights they are allowed in school:)

Friday we are going to an Anti-War March and Peace Fest event at the court house. This was actually a choice the students made so it should be fun. I will keep you posted though...That is it for now.

T

Posted by Global LAB at 03:38 PM | Permalink

We began our Spanish language lessons a week ago. The first class I think went well. Since the South side of Milwaukee is pretty much all Spanish speaking, everyone knew at least two or more words of Spanish already. Now it is time to make sense of what they are saying.

For those of you who do not know, the reason we are now running Spanish classes for our student group is because CESAR is planning to take the participants on a language and service learning program to Mexico, focusing on issues relating to water as a resource. We'll share more on these exciting plans soon.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 11:46 PM | Permalink

CESAR Students attending a Youth Peace Rally in Milwaukee

Hi Everyone,

The students and I have continued our twice a week Spanish classes. After 5 classes I can say that they are doing pretty well. It took me a little longer to get the hang of remembering certain phrases:).

This week I was also at a conference at Cardinal Stritch University. The conference, "Called to the City," featured Signs of Hope in Milwaukee, and I was honored to be one of the people recognized as I sign of hope, helping Milwaukee come together as a community. While I was there I was able to promote the CESAR program and find out what was going on in the city that would work well with collaborations with out program.

The kids made little candy bags to help fundraise for our trip to Mexico in the Summer of 2007. No specific price was asked for the bags only donations and we raised $80.00 to go toward our trip. I would say that this was pretty good for just a few hours, wouldn't you? So, this money will go toward our trip to Mexico and we are looking into more fundraising ideas if you have any please comment on this blog.

The conference was very informative and I also met a women whose husband is a pilot. I explained that many of the kids in the program had never been on a plane before and they were a little apprehensive about flying and she said that she would ask her husband if there was anyway for the kids to tour a jet sometime in the future. When I hear more from her I will let all of you know.

Well that is all for now. Stay tuned for next week's update!

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 03:52 PM | Permalink

On Friday night we went to Latino Arts, Inc. There was an exhibit on Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) that depicted how this day is celebrated throughout Latin America. We also went to see a performance by "Los Folklorista" This group collects and interprets the music of Central and South America with a wide assortment of instruments. This group is originally from Mexico and almost all of their show was in Spanish. I interpreted a lot of the dialog for them but it was a good time had by all. Well that is it for now. Please continue to read blogs from this program and if you would like to make donations to help under-represented youth enjoy cross-cultural programs and the possibility to study abroad in the future, let us know!

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 01:14 AM | Permalink

Hello once again you fabulous blog readers. I wanted to add an update from last weeks wonderful program. The participants from the CESAR program and a few guests, went to Janesville Wisconsin. We met a wonderful woman named Sue Nelson and her husband they gave a great interactive lecture on a trip that they took over the summer to Tunisia.

The lecture featured a geography lesson, pictures of kids and examples of the activities that children play or played. Many of the kids were surprised that many of the television shows and games that they play in the US are the same in Tunisia. Sue taught the kids the Arabic Alphabet and taught them how to write there names. We learned a lot about life in Tunisia and I think the kids had a better understanding of how cultures can be different but different does not always mean bad. We also learned how to greet others in the Muslim culture. Over all it was a great day and Sue and her husband were fantastic hosts. Well stay tuned for next weeks adventure to the Holiday Cultural Folk Fair.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 01:16 AM | Permalink

I like the Spanish class because I learn new stuff and learning Spanish is fun because you get to speak a language that many people would not expect you to. I like learning about new people and places. When we went to Polish Fest it felt like we were the only black people there and I did not feel comfortable but Teneisha thinks that they were surprised to see us just as much as we were surprised at the way that they were dressed for the festival since normally you would not see people of color at a festival like that in Milwaukee.

Tamika, age 17

Posted by Global LAB at 12:11 PM | Permalink

Well this week I have some exciting news: we have added two new students to the CESAR program. They are two brothers who are so excited about learning Spanish and learning about the world. Spanish classes are still going great and I hope they continue to get better and better with each class. I am slowly incorporating classes entirely in Spanish. It is a very slow process but the kids seem to really enjoy it.

The programming for this week went well too. I introduced the UN Declaration of the Right of the Child as we discussed child labor laws around the world and specifically in Mexico. We discussed "los ninos de la calle" street kids in Mexico and why they work as well as the school system. They were very interested and asked tons of question which inspired us to head to the library to research them. I lived in Mexico for 10 months when I was in high school but I am sure there have been some changed since then. :)

Stay tuned for next week!

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 03:22 PM | Permalink

Here are some of the activities CESAR participants have participated in since beginning last summer:

Polish Fest
Bastille Days
Festa Italiana
German Fest
African World Festival

Day of the Dead Celebration Activity
Arab World Festival
Irish Fest
Mexican Fiesta
Oktoberfest
Summer of Peace Youth Rally
Celebration of Culture India - Milwaukee Public Museum
Human Rights Round table
Black Holocaust Museum
Indian Summer Festival
Ongoing Spanish Classes
Noyes Swimming Pool – Learned how water is purified for swimmers
Tour of the Milwaukee Water Treatment Plant- Water treatment on a larger scale
International movie at UWM
Movie and Discussion – Gridiron Gang

Lecture on Tunusia
Anti-Apartied lecture at UWM
Trip to the Milwaukee Public Market
Discussions and Cultural Dish Days, focusing on Geography, Misconceptions of target groups, Making dishes from the target group

Posted by Global LAB at 11:35 PM | Permalink

Last week we actually went to the zoo and it was a good learning opportunity. We talked about climates, water pollution and animal interaction and human-animal interaction. I thought it was a fun option instead of sitting in my apartment and talking about it. The students have all of course been to the zoo before but they said that they were taken by teachers just to look at the animals and they never really talked about where animals came from and why some could live together and some could not.

T

Posted by Global LAB at 05:01 PM | Permalink

We only had one Spanish class this week because of Christmas. The kids are on break until next week but they are still excited about Spanish classes and programming activities...which is awesome. They are really looking forward to the trip to Mexico in June.

We went to a local mall and the managers and store staff were gracious enough to allow us to examen the labels of all kind of items to see where they were manufactured. We had mini classes right in the stores. I went a few days before to search out which stores would be agreeable to the idea of kids picking up items and not expecting to buy. They were all great especially the WISCONSIN STORE.

After our searches and mini discussions in the store we found a relatively quiet place to discuss what they had learned. All the kids realized that most of the electronics were made in China and a lot of the clothes were made in South America--very observant for 12 and 13 year olds.

We discussed why some items say they are made in some other countries but the materials were from the US. I also mentioned to them that most of the work on these items were done by children not much older and sometimes younger then themselves as well as women because they were much cheaper labor than men and even cheaper than labor in the US. We also talked about why young people in the US are usually not allowed to work until they are at least 15 and some US history on labor laws for youth.

I hope to continue to stay on this path of child labor for a few more weeks if schedules work out. Well that is it for now.

Hope everyone had an eventful 2006.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 10:50 PM | Permalink

Last week Micheal, Sean and Dacolis and I went to a Mexican restaurant called Botana. I chose this restaurant because of the authentic food and service. This was a chance for the boys to practice what they have learned in language classes.

They ordered in Spanish (as best they could:) and they talked to the waiters and tried new dishes. While we ate I gave them background on some of locations I visited when I studied abroad in Mexico and the kinds of food that I tried for the first time. They seemed to really enjoy it, sometimes even to the point where I could not understand them:) but the waiters were very patient with them and I thank them for that.

T

Posted by Global LAB at 01:05 AM | Permalink

Hi Everyone,

I have some great news, we have just added four new students to the CESAR program. This brings are numbers to 7. Since we do not yet have a central meeting location many of the activities have occurred in my apartment. It is going to get a little crowded soon but I hope enjoyable for everyone none the less :)

The new kids will start in February and I have some pretty exciting activities planned which all of you will hear about on this blog so please keeping coming back.

Adding ideas for peace

Last week we went to the Eisner Museum in downtown Milwaukee. The Eisner is an advertising museum that had an exhibit on peace. We talked about how one act of kindness can turn anyone's day, week or life around and how peace can impact not just the people you know. We talked about two famous peace leaders, Martin Luther King Jr and Gandhi. As you might expect they knew more about Martin Luther King Jr because he was was in the US but they enjoyed hearing about Gandhi as well.

Flight simulation to help ease the nerves of first time flyers

There was also another reason why we went to the museum. Since we will be flying to Mexico in June and none of the CESAR students have ever been on a plane before, we pretended that we were taking a trip on an airline exhibit :) I made everyone strap in and I was the lovely flight attendant who makes the hand gestures while the captain is talking before flight. We went through takeoff and landing procedures, what can happen while we are in flight, such at turbulence and ears popping and how it feels to land. The overall experience for them was good. They had lots of questions about how the plane stays up (one I couldn't answer right away), did planes have bathrooms since it was a short flight to Mexico City? (I assured them that the larger ones which we would be on did have bathrooms), did it feel funny to walk on a plane (Said it felt like ground to me). Well, I am sure you understand where this is all leading. Overall I am happy that we had our preflight simulation.

Stay tuned for our next Blog

T

Posted by Global LAB at 12:29 AM | Permalink

This week as been really fun!

Spanish classes seem to be going pretty well and with the feedback that I am getting everyone else is enjoying it as well.

Maya and Pachan outside the theater where we saw "The Giver"

The kids and I went to the play The Giver. For those of you who do not know the book, it is about a fictional perfect world where everyone is the same, there is no color, there is no war, people share their feelings, there is no concept of love, your job and your family are chosen for you by a group of elders. As you could see, the world isn't perfect after all. The kids agreed that there where some pretty great things about that world but could not imagine a world where there was no color and no one had a choice if they were seen as individuals or not.

I love when we have discussion session because I learn just as much from them as they learn from me.

After the play we went to a restaurant called African Hut. There were different dishes from all over Africa that the kids could try, but in the end they all mostly ate chicken(?) They said that it did not seem right to order something they had no idea about when they could eat something that they knew that they would eat:) I hope as time goes by we become more adventurous in the variety of foods with the more experiences that we have.

T.

Posted by Global LAB at 06:20 PM | Permalink

Hi everyone,

Once again the kids' Spanish is improving every day. We have created fun activities that get the kids to interact and get to know each other better since they will be spending 10 days together when we go to Mexico. They seem to really enjoy two activities in particular. One is the "Talk Back" where for only 3 minutes they are only allowed to speak in Spanish. There is no English and they can not ask anyone a question in English during this time. I believe it makes them study more because most kids don't just want to sit there while everyone else is talking around them.

The second activity is "Actin' Out." At the end of Spanish class the kids get into groups and make up a skit entirely in Spanish using the words and phases we learned that day or in past classes. It can get pretty silly sometimes, but you need to have fun when you are learning something new. We also made pinatas this week...or rather we are still making them. It can get really messy but they have a lot of fun!

Stay tuned for next week.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 06:16 PM | Permalink

Nyesha and Maya Finishing Their Pinatas

We had a parent Meet and Greet on the day before. All of the parents of the students attending the Mexico trip met for the first time. I showed a PowerPoint that described what the kids and I had done up to that point for a recap. The parents are really excited about the trip and so are the kids. During this weeks Spanish class all they could talk about was what would staying in Mexico for 10 days be like.

Our Spanish is progressing greatly. The kids are speaking more to each other and remembering more and more of what we learn in previous weeks. We also started making necklaces and bracelets out of beads and a few of the boys are really good at drawing and they were making pictures to sell for spending money in Mexico.

Maya acting silly while making churros

These are just a few pics of the great activities that we have done. We also made another great Mexican meal. This time we made Churros and Cheese, Ham and Chicken. The kids enjoyed the fact that I allowed them to cook without giving suggestions. I also stressed what ever they made they had to eat...no matter what...:) it must of worked because the food was amazing. It was one of the best meals that I have had.

Enjoying the feast

Stay tuned for next week to see how our fundraiser has done.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 07:37 PM | Permalink

Hey Guys

First I would like to give a big thanks to the Quaker Friends Meeting of Milwaukee for allowing our group to participate in the annual international gift show. The kids were so excited to get started on some fundraising. We got there at 9am and everyone was wide awake helping to set up the tables. As I told all of you last week the kids have been hard at work making decorations, making candy bags and drawings for this event.

Michael, Sean and Shaquan setting up for fundraiser

They kids were very well behaved and I got very good comments from other vendors at the showing. Many did not know of that many kids sitting for so long without any problems. Some of the boys walked around and made self portraits and many of their drawings were sold. Every child was able to show up for at least a few hours and it was a really good turnout.

Hard at work

Each child that is going to Mexico needs to raise $500 dollars towards the trip and thanks to the generous contributions of so many people a nice chunk can be knocked off of each of their prices. We continue to accept
donations so that all of the kids will have an experience that they will not soon be forget.

Stay tuned for April's updates and thank you for continuously coming back to the C.E.S.A.R. blog.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 12:33 PM | Permalink

I have successfully completed both my CPR and First Aid training with
about a month and a half left before C.E.S.A.R. leaves for Mexico. We have
been generating many fundraising ideas for May.

We will be having a C.E.S.A.R. Rummage Sale, a raffle and a penny drive at
there schools. We have continuously been practicing our Spanish. The kids
are remembering more and more. This has been exciting for and I know the
kids have enjoyed our activities as well. We have gone to the Milwaukee
Art Museum and Also participated in Earth Day activities with the Urban
Ecology Center of Milwaukee.

Teneisha

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 12:46 AM | Permalink

Hello all,

My name is Aaron Bos-Lun. My mother, Michelle, is Teneisha's co-leader for the C.E.S.A.R. Mexico program. I have been recently hired to accompany the program to Mexico in order to manage the blog, take photos and video footage of the trip, and to document the incredible experience Michael, Nyesha, Shacquan, Sean, Pachan, and Myzel will be having in Mexico this summer.

Until we are in Mexico, I will be posting the updates that Teneisha sends me about the progress of the C.E.S.A.R. program in Milwaukee, as well as any updates Michelle wants to share. Come Mexico, I will be updating the blog at least once (probably more often) per day with pictures, video footage, interviews with the kids and program leaders about their experiences, and summaries of what is happening in Mexico.

On a more personal level, I am extremely excited to be able to to contribute my abilities to the C.E.S.A.R. program. I have traveled internationally on many occassions throughout my life, my most recent trip being a trip to Mexico this past March to learn about immigration. My travels have provided me a deep appreciation of the importance and educational impact of traveling, one reason why I believe so strongly in the goals of the C.E.S.A.R. Mexico program. In terms of my own education, I am about to graduate on May 25 from the United World College in New Mexico, an international high school with 200 students from 92 countries. Before UWC, I lived in South Dakota, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and, most recently, Vermont. Next year I will be joining Americorps' City Year: Washington D.C. program, which will allow me to do full-time educationally-based community service with youth in the nation's capitol.

My role in the C.E.S.A.R. program is an ideal fusion of my interests in education, cross-culturalism, travel, photography/filmmaking and working with kids. I have immense admiration and respect for Teneisha's vision and motiviation in providing the kids the C.E.S.A.R. opportunity, and I am absoutely thrilled to be able to add to this extremely meaningful and exciting program. I look forward to keeping you all updated!

Until next time,
Aaron

P.S. I will post a picture of myself shortly.

P.P.S. To Michael, Nyesha, Shacquan, Maya, Pachan, and Myzel: I can not wait to meet you all in person!!! We are going to have an amazing experience and I expect you all are extremely excited. If you have any questions or would like to get to know me a little sooner, I hope that you write me at my email address: aaron.boslun@gmail.com. Finish the school year strong and be ready for an incredible, life-changing time in Mexico!

Aaron at dinner in New Mexico

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 12:49 AM | Permalink

Dear Students,

I am so excited to be joining you and Teneisha and Aaron for ten days in Mexico in June!

I very much enjoyed meeting all of you and your families in March in Milwaukee and hope that your preparations for going to Mexico are continuing to go well.

Keep studying and practicing your Spanish as the more you can speak, the better you will be able to communicate when we get to Mexico! I have planned and led programs to many countries and have traveled a lot around the world, but I only speak a little Spanish so I look forward to having you and Teneisha and Aaron help translate for me as we meet with people in Cuernavoca and Mexico City.

You are all about to embark on the experience of a lifetime and I feel very privileged to have the chance to share it with you. There is so much to learn through traveling to another country and immersing in its culture and I know we will all learn a lot together about Mexico as well as about each other and ourselves. My hope for each of you is that you will learn and grow in ways that will impact you for the rest of your lives and I expect that will happen, as each time I go to a new culture I come back changed, and I think you will too!

I live in Vermont, but I am originally from Wisconsin, like most of you! I was born in Waukesha, near Milwaukee and graduated from college at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. Sociology was the focus of my undergraduate studies and International Education is the topic I got my Master’s degree in.

I have three children (all older than you by a few years) but I have worked with hundreds of kids over the years as a teacher, houseparent, administrator, program planner and more. I look forward to getting to know all of you better in the weeks leading up to our Mexico departure as well as during the time we are traveling together. If you or your parents have any questions you can feel free to contact me at michelle@global-lab.org or 800 984 4522. I enjoy hearing about your CESAR activities from Teneisha as she shares what you are doing on the blog but would welcome any direct messages from you as well! In Mexico, Aaron will help all of you to post messages and pictures on the blog so that your friends and family back home can see and hear what you have been up to!

Enjoy the last weeks of school and keep studying your Spanish ! I look forward to meeting you all again in person on June 15 at the airport before we board our flight together to Mexico!

Sincerely,

Michelle

Michelle with the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 01:15 AM | Permalink

The participants of the C.E.S.A.R. program wanted to tell the world a little more about themselves, so here are introductions from 5 of them! (All except for Maya)

Michael:
Hi my name is Michael and I am 12 years old. I was born in September. I
have fun in Spanish class. My hobbies are drawing, playing football and
playing my video games. I am a straight "A" student and I always turn in
my homework on time. My best friend in school and in Spanish class in
Shacquan. My brother, Sean, is in Spanish also. I am very smart and
intelligent.

Michael, displaying a poster he made during a CESAR child labor unit

Nyesha:
Hi, My name is Nyesha. I am 11 years old and I am in middle school. Some
of my hobbies are dancing, skating, shopping and hanging out with my
friends. I like this Spanish class because I get to see my friends more
often. I am very fun and outgoing and I think that going to Mexico will be
a great experience for me.

Shacquan:
My name is Shacquan. I am 12 years old and I like going to Spanish class.
My best friend in Michael. I like football and video games I have never
been on a plane before but I did climb a rock wall once. I can't wait to
go to Mexico.

Shacquan, displaying his poster from the CESAR child labor unit

Pachan:
Hello my name is Pachan. I am 11 years old. The thing I like about the
C.E.S.A.R. program is going to Spanish class and spending time with my
friends. I take some Spanish at school but Spanish with C.E.S.A.R. helps
me practice. I can't wait to go to Mexico.

Myzel:
Hi, I'm Myzel. I am 11 years old and I was born in Milwaukee. My favorite
hobbies are to play basketball and football. I like to learn Spanish.

Teneisha teaches Spanish to CESAR participants in preparation for Mexico

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 01:18 AM | Permalink

Download file

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 01:25 AM | Permalink

When I (Michelle) visited Milwaukee in mid-March, I asked the parents of CESAR students to respond to these questions:

What has been of the most benefit to your child, being in CESAR?

How do you feel about your child going to Mexico in June?

Here are the responses:

Sue McCarthy: Parent of Maya McCarthy Neal
1. I feel like there are many benefits of this program for Maya. Learning Spanish, being able to appreciate and learn about other cultures and experiences with peers; exploring all that Milwaukee has to offere
2. I am thrilled for Maya to have this opportunity. For me this opportunity is comparable to learning to read and developing a love of reading. It opens up the world and possibilities in life.

Yolanda Haines: Parent of Sean and Micheal Copening
1. I am very thankful for this program because I really can’t teach them all the things they are learning with Ms. Teneisha. I bless her for coming into my kids’ life with this program

Sarah Brier: Parent of Nyesha Brown
1. Being in a social group outside of school, interacting with other kids from different schools. Nyesha is really enjoying the program
2. Mixed feelings (still have them!) However, I know that I can’t let that hold me back from letting her experience this opportuntity. I feel comfortable knowing that if/when I have questions, I know I can ask and receive an open and honest answer.

Aric and Tomeca Cunnigham: Parents of Myzel Arbunkle
1. Learning Spanish- that alone will be beneficial to Myzel’s future.
2. At first I had mixed feelings about the trip. Just the thought of your child being out of the country for two weeks is scary, but after meeting with Teneisha as well as Myzel’s feedback and experiences we have come to handle our fears and realize this will help our child so much. It will change his entire outlook on life

I asked the students what they most enjoyed about the program and specific memories they had. Some of their responses were:

Michael Copening: I enjoyed when we made a Mexican meal and when we went to the Mall on a scavenger hunt (while we were learning about child labor). We learned where many different things come from. I also like to do art projects (like making posters about child labor and maps of the world).

Shacquan Ellis: I enjoy every Saturday (we go on field trips on Saturdays). Those are the best days. And I am looking forward to Mexico because I want to learn how to cook Mexican food and to learn how to say things I don’t know how to say yet.

Sean Copening: I enjoy the Spanish class because it teaches me a new language and learning Spanish is fun.

Myzel Arbunkle: My favorite is the Spanish claas and the fact that they are taking us to Mexico! Also the Saturday activities are awesome…

Dacolis: I like when we had frozen yogurt and nachos.. and the Saturday activities. I also liked the visit to the Black Holocaust Museum.

-Michelle-

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 03:05 AM | Permalink

Michael and Shacquan rock wall climbing

Myzel looking at animals at the Urban Ecology Center

Sean getting ready to climb

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 03:44 AM | Permalink

C.E.S.A.R. MEXICO PROGRAM: JUNE 15-24, 2007

Viernes/Friday, June 15th
7:30 p.m. Arrival from airport
9:30 Arrival to CCIDD / Settle in

Sábado/Saturday, June 16th
8:30 Desayuno / Breakfast
9:30 Introduction to CCIDD
10:30 Hopes and Fears
11:30 Intro Cuernavaca Quest
12:00 Personal / Journal time
1:30 Comida / Lunch
2:30 Cuernavaca Quest
5:30 Cuernavaca Quest Debrief
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Intro to Social Analysis

Domingo/Sunday, June 17th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast Pack Picnic Lunch
8:45 Morning Reflection
9:45 Leave for Tepoztlán: Free time to explore market and hike to ruins of Tepozteco
Lunch on your own: Packed lunch or in one of many restaurants
5:00 Return to CCIDD
6:30 Cena / Supper
8:00 Mariachi Mass at Cathedral

Lunes/Monday, June 18th
7:00 Desayuno/ Breakfast
7:15 Leave to serve breakfast in La Estación Squatter Settlement
10:00 Visits to families and Community Center in La Estación
1:30 Comida / Lunch
2:30 Intro to compost by CCIDD gardener, Manuel
3:00 Personal / Journal time
4:30 Debrief La Estacion
5:30 “A matter of interest”- Intro to Economics
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Free evening

Martes/Tuesday, June 19th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast
8:45 Morning reflection
9:30 Liberation Theology, Sister Kathy Long
11:30 Personal/journal time
12:30 Helping in CCIDD kitchen (cooking Mexican food!)
1:30 Comida / Lunch
2:30 Visit to Cuernavaca downtown and Diego Rivera´s Mural at Cortez´ Palace
4:30 ISM Project
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Intro to Social Analysis
8:00 Free evening

Miércoles/Wednesday, June 20th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast
8:45 Morning reflection
9:30 Shopping in small groups
12:00 Dynamic of the four quadrants in the garden
1:00 Comida/lunch Pack picnic supper
2:00 Painting a mural with young people from El Pregon
9:30 Leave for Cuentepec: visit to Telescundaria and Bakery cooperative
6:30 Packed picnic supper
7:30 Free evening

Jueves/Thursday, June 21th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast Pack picnic lunch
8:45 Morning Reflection
9:30 Leave for Cuentepec: visit to Telesecundaria and Bakery cooperative
Comida/picnic lunch
2:30 Visit to orphanage, Nustros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH), Miacatlan
4:30 Return to CCIDD
5:30 Debrief day visits
6:30 Cena / Supper out

Viernes/Friday, June 22th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast
8:45 Cross-cultural dialogue
10:00 Leave for Recycling Center, EPATAC, Tejalpa
1:30 Comida / Lunch
2:30 Personal / Journal time
4:00 Visit to "VAMOS" organization´s project CASA TATIC
Shopping opportunity with Artisans at Casa Romero (optional)
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Pinata

Sábado/Saturday, June 23th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast
8:45/9:00 Walk / Drive for Botanical Garden
9:15 Morning reflection at Botanical Garden
12:00 Social Analysis group work
1:30 Comida / Lunch
Pay final bills
2:30 Personal / Journal Time
4:00 Social Analysis Presentations
5:30 Action Plan
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Final Liturgy, Closing Celebration

Domingo/Sunday, June 24th
4:25 Leave to the airport
8:57 Flight to Chicago

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 02:47 AM | Permalink

Saturday the kids and I visited another town in Wisconsin called
Janesville. We went to visit a woman from Tunisia named Ibtissem (which
means smile in Arabic). Ibtissem shared her experience with what schools,
clothing and shops were like in Tunisia. She also taught the kids some
words in Arabic and how to write their names. She is a great dancer and
she also gave the kids a chance to practice while they showed her some of
their dance moves that she tried. It was a wonderful experience and I want
to thank Sue Nelson for setting up this actitiviy. I worked with her last
year and this gave the kids something that they have talked about nonstop
since we got back.

Group picture with Ibtissem

Helping the kids with Arabic pronounciation

Ibtissem showing an example of dress in Tunisia

The kids asking questions

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 06:57 PM | Permalink

The kids and I decided to have a fun day where they could hangout with one
another since they will be spending so much time together in Mexico. We
went to the IMAX and played in the park:) I believe that all the kids have
bonded so much in the last few months. They have gone from not knowing
each other, to not liking each other, to tolerating, to like, to not
liking....see a pattern here:) but overall they are all great kids and I
(and I know they can't either) can't wait to continue our adventure.

Also to update everyone. The winner of our CESAR Raffle was Patric
Dunn!!! I want to thank everyone who participated and helped to fundraise
for CESAR. Next update soon.

Teneisha

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 12:12 AM | Permalink

Download file
(Downloadable Microsoft Word Format)

Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development, Cuernavaca, Morelos, MEXICO
The following text is extracted from their website, www.ccidd.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PLANNING FOR CCIDD PROGRAMS - Participants
ONE: WHAT TO BRING

BEFOREHAND:
-->Health and Dietary Form -- please fill out and return to your group leader or e-mail to us, so that we can be better prepared to serve you.
-->Arrange for PASSPORT well in advance. As of January, 2007 all US citizens will need a Passport for travel to Mexico.

WHAT TO BRING:
Pack lightly. Dress is casual. We ask that you dress simply as we will be visiting people who live in strained economic conditions. Bring comfortable clothes, you will be sitting, visiting homes, walking to the market and the city square, and climbing a pyramid! Plan on it being warm during the day and cooler in the evenings and early morning. Bring a sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket so you can add layers as needed.
You can hand wash clothes at CCIDD or there is a Laundromat conveniently nearby.

When out as a CCIDD group -- pants, jeans, skirt or capris with a short sleeve shirt/blouse
--> No shorts or tank tops!

When at CCIDD
--> Comfortable clothes; here shorts and tank tops are permitted.
Also, perhaps one nice outfit if desired and old clothes for work projects as needed.

In addition to your clothes/personal toiletries, we strongly suggest the following:
-->comfortable walking shoes (closed toe) and sandals
-->swimming suit (there is a swimming pool at CCIDD) March and April here are hot.
-->sunscreen and hat – the sun is much stronger here in the mountains!!!
-->insect repellant and something for those mosquito bites
-->personal water bottle
-->small backpack or bag for day trips
-->journal / notebook and writing utensils
-->needed medications in prescription container
-->camera and film (CCIDD staff will indicate when it is OK and not to take pictures)
-->umbrella (only in rainy season from end of May to October; then it rains most evenings)
-->Our doctors do not recommend Imodium. Pepto Bismol may be helpful. Medications can be easily purchased here as needed at low cost. Some are available at CCIDD.

Money: Bring cash, US dollars give the best exchange. We do not recommend travelers checks. Time will be provided at the airport for you to exchange money. Money exchange houses, banks and ATMs are easily available in Cuernavaca. Credit cards can be used in limited places.

Weather: Cuernavaca is known as the City of Eternal Spring so our weather is terrific! Our normal temperatures range between 55 and 85 degrees F or 13 and 29 degrees C. Here it is always warm during the day especially in the sunshine. March, April and May are the hottest months. We do have fans, but no air conditioning. In December and January it cools off and the nights are chilly. We do not have central heat but have plenty of warm blankets. We always have sunshine, 12 months of the year. The climate is dry not too humid. Rather than the 4 seasons, we talk about the rainy season and the non-rainy time. It rains in Cuernavaca from the end of May, beginning of June through October. The rains most often come in the late afternoons and evenings. The daytime is sunny. We get some good thunder and lightening storms many nights. Rain is plentiful during these months.

PHONE NUMBER/address FOR EMERGENCIES
You can leave these numbers with your family/friends/school for emergency contact-
CCIDD Internet phone #: 1 414 431-4244 (US based number)
CCIDD office #: 011 52.777.312.65.64 (Mexican number)
CCIDD address: Colonia Centro, Francisco Leyva # 39, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.

Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development, Cuernavaca, Morelos, MEXCIO
WEB Page: www.ccidd.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PLANNING FOR CCIDD PROGRAMS - Participants
TWO: A FEW Q & A

Q: What is a typical day like?
A: We follow the see-judge-act-evaluate-celebrate model and thus we move around each day. Most mornings begin with reflection after breakfast. This sets a tone for the day and feeds our spiritual needs. Meals are generally 8:00 A.M. breakfast, 1:30 P.M. main meal and the lighter evening supper at 6:30 P.M.. Each day varies in the program. We visit markets and communities in and around Cuernavaca, explore and honor archeological sites, have speakers at CCIDD, watch documentaries. Our process involves intros to our programs and debriefing after significant experiences. The debriefs or reflections on our experiences are in small and large groups. Critical social analysis is woven into the total experience. Free time for journaling, resting and exploring is provided. We conclude the experience with action plans for home and a celebration. The days together immerse all in the Mexican culture particularly with people living on the margins and slowly we reflect on this shared lived experience. See our goals and objectives on the web page.

Q. What are the lodging and campus like?
A. Since June, 2006 our space is more limited. We now have a capacity for 34, using all beds. On our main campus we have 5 guest rooms and one staff room. Across Leyva street we have 4 guest rooms and 3 staff rooms. The guest rooms have 2-6 beds: we use a few bunk beds when large groups come. Participants are expected to share rooms. All rooms have a full bath with hot and cold water. Some rooms are on our 3rd floor balcony, others first and second floor.
Additionally we have a large kitchen and dining area, an outdoor patio, a TV/video room, our palapa- the hexagonal meeting space, our library, pool and beautiful gardens as well as staff offices.
See our web page for photos.
With large groups we will provide some guest accommodations at a nearby retreat center.

Q. Is there internet or phone access?
A. Our staff computers are not available for guests. Internet connections are available if you bring your laptop. Additionally, there are numerous internet cafes nearby. You can use these at minimal cost. At CCIDD guests do have use of a special internet phone for calls to Canada or the USA at 20 pesos per minute. We ask that calls be brief and infrequent as a part of the immersion experience.

Q. Are there any health requirements for travel to Cuernavaca? What if I get sick?
A. We recommend all have their tetanus vaccination updated due to the various places we will be visiting and hiking. There are no other medical requirements for travel in the Cuernavaca area. Cuernavaca is at 1,500 meters or mile high altitude. For some the first day or two may cause some adjustment for breathing. There is no malaria near Cuernavaca. There are plenty of mosquitoes and the dengy virus is a possibility. There are certain poisonous spiders and scorpions seen at times. We encourage use of insect repellant, practically year round.
Recommendations: Try to get some rest before coming! Come in good health.
While here, drink plenty of water, juice, Gatorade; don’t get dehydrated. Drink purified water. Guests should not drink water from bathroom faucets. Purified water is available in the kitchen.
Intestinal problems and diarrhea are normal for some travelers. We have access to good doctors and we will help you. A change of diet brings on a few surprises. Our doctors do not recommend using Imodium. Other medications are readily available here.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 11:32 PM | Permalink

The group, about to board the bus in Mexico City

Hello all,

We have arrived in Cuernavaca, Mexico! Today has mostly been a travel day, although it has been anything but boring. In this post I have outlined several highlights of the day, and intended to then share photos of the C.E.S.A.R. students throughout the day.

Continue reading "June 15: It Begins: The Journey to Mexico" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 06:47 AM | Permalink

The girls discover a spiral staircase on the CCIDD premises

Michael traces his hand and signs his name as part of a CCIDD orientation activity

Sábado/Saturday, June 16th: Itinerary
8:30 Desayuno / Breakfast
9:30 Introduction to CCIDD
10:30 Hopes and Fears
11:30 Intro Cuernavaca Quest
12:00 Personal / Journal time
1:30 Comida / Lunch
2:30 Cuernavaca Quest
5:30 Cuernavaca Quest Debrief
6:30 Cena / Supper
7:30 Free evening

A little while back, Teneisha sent me the entire itinerary for the C.E.S.A.R. Mexico program, organized by CCIDD. If you wish to access it, this can be done easily be examining several posts back. However, I will open every daily post with that day's itinerary, followed by highlights of the day, for the convenience of all readers. Also, as soon as possible interested C.E.S.A.R. students will begin writing their opinions and insights on their experience, which will provide the blog a more lively, direct voice of the students for whom this program is happening.

Continue reading "June 16: Day 1: CCIDD Introduction to Cuernavaca Tour!" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 06:58 PM | Permalink

Domingo/Sunday, June 17th
8:00 Desayuno / Breakfast Pack Picnic Lunch
8:45 Morning Reflection
9:45 Leave for Tepoztlán: Free time to explore market and hike to ruins of Tepozteco
Lunch on your own: Packed lunch or in one of many restaurants
5:00 Return to CCIDD
6:30 Cena / Supper
8:00 Mariachi Mass at Cathedral

This is on the schedule for the 17th of June. I will report back in tomorrow night with how everything went, barring internet failure.

Best,
Aaron

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 04:47 AM | Permalink

This picture was taken from where our trek began-the pyramid (almost unrecognizably small without magnification) was where we hiked to!

Dear all,

Today has been incredibly full, incredibly busy, and incredibly great! After breakfast, we opened with a morning reflection activity in which Mark wrote about 20 adjectives on the board, ranging from 'tall' to 'cheerful' to 'aggressive' to 'hard-working' and asked everyone to write down on a private sheet of paper any of those words which they felt described themselves. Immediately after, we went around the circle and theatrically acted out the word from our list which we thought most resembled our persona