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 7:16 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 1:19 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 7:26 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 2:46 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 9:41 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 3:38 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 3:52 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 1:14 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 1:16 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 3:22 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 5:01 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 1:05 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 6:20 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 6:16 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 7:37 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 1:15 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 1:18 AM | Permalink

Download file

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 1:25 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 3:05 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 3:44 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 2:47 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 6:57 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 6:47 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 6:58 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 4:47 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 personalities.

Continue reading "June 17: Day 2: Personality Exploration and Hiking to the Tezpoctoco Pyramid" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:31 AM | Permalink

Myzel, Michael, and Teneisha prepare sandwiches for lunch

Hi, this is Michael Copening. I am a student in the C.E.S.A.R. program. I'm 12, I'm smart, and I like to play football for fun. I like the C.E.S.A.R. program because it's fun and we learn about different cultures. This is important to me because I might go to another country in a couple years. When I am in high school I want to study abroad in France, in order to learn French.

Continue reading "June 17: Day 2: Michael's Perspective" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:43 AM | Permalink

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 Movie night

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 8:47 PM | Permalink

Michael and Myzel speak Spanish with children for whom they prepared breakfast at the La Estacion community center

Hello all,

Cuernavaca continues to be great, in spite of my difficulties in trying to upload pictures from it! But worse things have happened in the history of the world, and I believe I have discovered a functioning way to get the pictures to the blog. Keep your fingers crossed! As of now, I have taken over 250 pictures in just the past 4 days, of all the kids in the various places we have visited. I will continue to capture their experience through photos, and look forward to sharing those with you in the very near future.

Continue reading "June 18: Day 3: La Estacion Community Visit" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 10:27 PM | Permalink

Quan is awed by the mountain he is about to climb

Hi, my name is Shacquan Ellis and I'm going to tell you about Mexico. I really like it here and I'm going to tell you first about the mountain. I was the 2nd one up the mountain and the 2nd one down. The mountain gave me a good experience. Now I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Next I will tell you what we did today. We went to the center and prepared food for the kids. And we talked to people that weren't so wealthy. Now I know that I need to be thankful for what I have. I just want to say this is my story about Mexico.

Shacquan Ellis

P.S. I love it here.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:34 AM | Permalink

A kindergarten boy who just ate a C.E.S.A.R.-prepared breakfast!

Quan and Michael have both written blog entries by now, and I am hoping that the other four follow suit and do so as well in the near future. However, in order to allow all students to express their voice, I handed each of the other four who have not yet written, Myzel, Maya, Nyesha, and Pachan, a sheet of paper with 2 questions on it. The first question was individualized; no two students got the same. The second was given to all four and was phrased as such: "What do you want to tell people at home who may be reading this?" Their responses were as follows:

Continue reading "June 18: Day 3: Voices of Myzel, Nyesha, Pachan, and Maya" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:37 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:51 AM | Permalink

Good morning from Cuernavaca-

This morning we opened the day with a group reflection session with Sister
Kathy hearing and acting out the story of the Good Samaritan from the
Bible and talking about ways we could all aspire to help others.

Later in the morning Sister Kathy introduced us to the concept of
Liberation Theology and talked about how people in Latin America have
looke for inspiration in their faith to bring about a more just world. The
students did a great job participating in the discussions, bringing up
examples they know from home about problems and challenges in our own
society as well as looking at some of the situations we have learned about
here in Mexico. Sister told us we will all go through three stages in
Mexico, to see, judge and then act.. and that those stages are the same
for many people anywhere in the world as they encounter new challenges and
figure out how best to deal with them in a way that will be best for them
and for the world we all live in.

Continue reading "June 19: Day 4: Michelle´s Perspective" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:32 PM | Permalink

A view of Cuernavaca from the Cortez palace. The cathedral where Sunday's Mariachi Mass took place can be seen around the middle of the picture

Hello all,

This is Aaron again. As I write, the activities mentioned in Michelle´s entry, making lunch and visiting the Cortez palace, have happened, and I am here to report they went magnificently! I think the pictures tell the story better than my words possibly could, and I have ample pictures to share from today, so this post will be minimal text, maximal photos.

Continue reading "June 19: Day 4: Making lunch and the Cortez Palace" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 12:05 AM | Permalink

Nyesha poses while making lunch at CCIDD

Nyesha: The palace of Cortez was really pretty. It was big and made of stone and over 500 years old. They have a painting that Diego Rivera made about 77 years ago. We saw all kinds of old timey things like cannons, and those horse-drawn carriages

Continue reading "June 19: Day 4: Nyesha and Pachan Share Their Insights" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 2:47 PM | Permalink

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
6:30 Packed picnic supper
7:30 Free evening

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 2:50 PM | Permalink

The group writes what their 'dreams' are, after discussing Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech

Continue reading "June 20: Day 5: 'I Have a Dream'" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The girls mix paint in preparation for creating the mural

Hello,

We have just returned from painting the mural. All the kids are swimming in the pool right now, but I do not have a minute to waste on such things if I am to share today's great event with you all!

Continue reading "June 20: Day 5: Painting a mural" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 7:55 PM | Permalink

Maya with two local girls in front of the completed mural

**THE FOLLOWING IS WRITTEN BY MAYA**

On Wednesday June 21st we started out with some morning meetings. First we learned about a project we will be working on more later in the week. After that we did a game in which he would read something and we would say how we felt about it. In the game there were four quadrants each labeled Fair, Unfair, Affective, and Inaffective. A lot of the older people in the game found it interesting how such small children could have such mature and interesting opinions.

Continue reading "June 20: Day 5: Maya Chimes In" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 7:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:25 AM | Permalink

**It has just been brought to our attention that the 'Comments' feature on the C.E.S.A.R. blog has for some time been unintentionally disabled. It is now enabled, so please, if interested, comment on any blog entries. We apologize if you have tried in the past without success, but this will no longer be the case. Comment away!**

Thanks,
Michelle, Teneisha, and Aaron

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Michael and Myzel play with a kindergarten boy they met at Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos

Dear all,

Today has been an absolute adventure! This morning I had a mini-crisis when I discovered the 16 batteries I had purchased at the People's Market yesterday were so weak that a brand-new pair, literally, could barely keep the camera powered long enough to take one picture! Considering as of today I have taken 501 pictures of the trip, the prospect of being able to not use my camera for a day nearly left me in a panic attack! Fortunately, we were able to find a rural museum gift store that carried batteries, and so this day has been normally documented from lunch on and, prior to lunch, I did the best I could given the failures of the batteries. I apologize for not getting more pictures of the early day, but I think the selection I have gives a pretty good sense. I guess I had my own cross-cultural realization: just because you're able to buy 12 batteries for a dollar in a Cuernavaca market does NOT mean you should!

Continue reading "June 21: Day 6: Cuentepec to Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:16 AM | Permalink

The following is an e-mail from Nyesha's family sent to her through Teneisha and this blog

Hello everybody!
We (Nyesha's family) have been looking at the pictures daily of the wonderful and exciting things that you've all experienced-it sounds like you all have had and are having a GREAT time!!!! You should all be extremely proud of yourselves for being so mature and making a difference in the lives of the people that you've helped. You will have this memory in you forever!!!! See you all when you return-continue to have fun-I'm sure you will!!!

Nyesha- as you already know-we all love you & miss you oodles-Mitzie even misses you-she asked about you today!!! I'm so very proud of you-hug yourself-that's from me!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox mama

HI Nyesha!!! this is Yaka. I miss you SOOOOOO much! Hope you are having much fun. Can't wait until you come home on Sunday. Love you always------Yaka

Nyesha gives a kindergartener from Nuesotros Pequenos Hermanos a piggy back ride

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:20 AM | Permalink

Myzel with Carlos, a kindergarten boy from Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos

Hi, everyone, this is Myzel. Today I went to a middle school and played basketball which everyone in the group played in a team. Now we didn't work very good in a team against girls in Cuentepec. The score was 5-0. So they split the team up into Mexican girls, Pachan, Nyesha, and me against Maya, Michael, Shacquan, and other Mexican girls. We won 21-8. I made half of the baskets. After that we talked to kids there. I would not want to be them because they don't have as much stuff as we do and their houses are different from ours and their schools are different too. But we all liked basketball. We all like music even though we don't like the same kinds. And of course we all go to school.

Continue reading "June 21: Day 6: Myzel's Voice" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 5:12 AM | Permalink

A poster explaining some principles of VAMOS!, an organization for street vendors' children

Michael observes VAMOS! children playing

THE ABOVE FILE IS A VIDEO OF QUAN HITTING THE PINATA DURING THE PARTY

Hello all,

Today has been magnificently busy, and perhaps our most fun day yet in Mexico! I am happy to say I have again outwitted the Mexican internet's best efforts to not have pictures on this blog! The pictures for this entry are uploaded now in their entirety. Enjoy!

(Also, directly above this text is a link that says, 'Download File.' The downloadable file is a short, fun video of Quan swinging at the pinata.)

Continue reading "June 22: Day 7: Recycling to VAMOS! to pinata party!" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 6:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Immigration Stories…

One experience that we had yesterday morning before leaving the CCIDD
campus, was sitting down with one of the CCIDD staff named Patti who is a
Mexican citizen who lived in the US for almost 12 years. She went there by
crossing the border illegally and she told us why and how she made that
choice.

Continue reading "June 22: Day 7: Update from Michelle" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 9:48 PM | Permalink

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

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:49 AM | Permalink

The botanical gardens where our final morning reflection was held

Hello all,

To begin, I have been able to add the pictures from yesterday to that entry. If you feel inspired, please go check them out!

Anyhow, it is our last day in Cuernavaca. It is somewhat hard to believe. We had a really great reflection this morning, however, and have several other events to look forward to today.

Continue reading "June 23: Final Day: Morning Reflection" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hello all,

Before I make the final post about our closing ceremony, I thought it would be appropriate to look back on everything that happened during our incredible time in Cuernavaca, from the beginning until today. Therefore, I have gathered what I consider some of the best pictures and organized them, day by day, along with quotations from C.E.S.A.R. students, leaders, and people we have met from those days. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Beginning to end: A photographic recap of our Mexico experience" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 8:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Nyesha lights her candle and shares her perception of the Mexico experience during the closing ceremony

CLOSING CEREMONY

After dinner, we had a final closing ceremony to reflect on and celebrate our experience in Mexico. The ceremony had several stages, each encouraging us to reflect on our time in Cuernavaca. After finishing the ceremony, the CCIDD staff surprised us all with beautiful, hand-made clay necklaces. We were all given a necklace and CCIDD's blessing as we go our own way in the world, encouraged to remember our experience in Mexico and to live a life of fulfillment, compassion, and justice. After the closing ceremony, Michelle and Teneisha surprised the group, having bought everyone a Cuernavaca t-shirt at the market. We all signed each other's shirts and the night closed with a giant pool party, where virtually every C.E.S.A.R. student, leader, and CCIDD employee (including Sister Kathy!) swam and had a great time.

Continue reading "June 23: Final Day: Closing ceremony" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today was our first day meeting as a group since we returned from Mexico about a week ago. We went to the Milwaukee Market on Water Street. When we went to Mexico we went to a market called the People's Market. At the People's Market everything was open where the elements could get to them.

We compared the differences and similarities between the two markets. A similarity that the kids noticed of each of the markets was that they allowed you to try items before you bought them but as one student put it "I felt way safer try'n food at the Milwaukee Market than the People's Market."

In the Summer the CESAR project does not have Spanish classes, that is reserved for the school year. In the Summer we learn geography, cultural differences around the world, art projects, visit cultural festivals and many other activities. I hope you enjoy hearing about our many Summer adventures in the future.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 1:36 PM | Permalink

Counting Africa's countries

Saturday July 28th was a great activity. A friend of mine, Halanna, taught the kids about the continent of Africa. She lived 6 months in the Ivory Coast a few years ago, before the country broke out in Civil War and then she was moved to Ghana.

Halanna is deeply interested in the culture and economy of the entire continent. She taught the kids about the different regions, the traditional clothing and a multitude of music that is within Africa.

The boys were very curious and Halanna was very knowledgeable. If she did not know the answer to their questions she gave them great direction in the best places to look to find the answer.

Listening to Halanna's cooking instructions

We made a traditional dish called Peanut Chicken with rice. You should have seen the look on the boys faces when she said that it was made of peanuts and tomato sauce. Those skeptical looks changed the moment they tasted the finish product. I must admit that I was a little surprised myself. It was very good.

Good to the last drop

We also made a traditional drink called Bissap which is made with dried flowers. The boys said that it tasted just like koolaid. Everyone had a great time and I thank Halanna so much for taking the time out of her busy schedule to teach CESAR something new!

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 2:38 PM | Permalink

Hi Everyone,

I have some pretty exciting news. We have accepted three new boys to the CESAR program. Their names are Kendal, Darrell and Kentrell. This brings our total for the summer to 7 boys. All the boys seem pretty excited about the new additions. On Thursday we had an informal meal to let the boys introduce themselves to one another and the original boys talked about what they liked about CESAR, the rules of the program and what the new boys hope to get out of the program.

Friday we went to the Wisconsin State Fair, kind of a getting back to our roots activities. The theme for this activity is why I love Wisconsin. We have been learning about so many other people and places so I thought that it would be fun to get back to us as Wisconsinites. Coming soon will be the paragraphs from the boys on the 5 best things about Wisconsin which will be attached to the new pictures for this month. Stay tuned for more of the CESAR program! Next week we will be volunteering.

Teneisha

Posted by Global LAB at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The boys posing with Emily Brown

This week the boys and I went to Irish Fest and we also worked with KEEP
GREATER MILWAUKEE BEAUTIFUL. The boys had a great time volunteering at the
GreenWish Village on the Summer Fest Grounds.

Continue reading "Irish Fest and KEEP GREATER MILWAUKEE BEAUTIFUL" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:37 AM | Permalink

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Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 4:09 AM | Permalink

Hi everyone,

It has been a few weeks since our last CESAR update. No worries, we are
still going strong. :) For the last few weeks we have had Spanish classes
twice a week and an activity one day a week. I am still actively
recruiting other students for the program and hope to have a wide variety
of students apply! Further more, if any one has any fundraising ideas that
they wish to share please email me at teneisha@global-lab.org . The kids
are always asking what trip we have planned for next summer and we could
all do with a little (a lot) of funding.

Continue reading "Program development and the zoo!" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 2:37 AM | Permalink

Hi Everyone

The group and I went to the Milwaukee International Film Festival's
movie, Viva Zapatero!. This movie was a documentary about a famous Italian
comedian, Sabina Guzzanti, who's show was canceled when she chose to make
fun of the Italian government and her quest to get media executives and
the government to honestly admit to why her show was axed. It touched on
censorship and democracy and was a funny take on citizen responsibility.
The boys and I had a discussion afterward about what they felt censorship
and democracy meant and if they believed that some things should be
censored.

They felt that since they were kids there was some things that they were
not allowed to see on t.v. because their parents did not think that it was
age appropriate. They joked about their parents censoring them as well as
school but I also mentioned that once they turned 18 they would be allowed
to make more decisions on what was appropriate but while they were kids,
sometimes adults did things because they felt that it was for their own
good, which led us into a discussion about human responsibility toward one
another. (In the future I plan to discuss the Declaration of Human Rights
with the kids later next month.)
Stay tuned for next week update!

Teneisha

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 2:32 AM | Permalink

THe kids and I went to a birthday party, Puerto Rican Style. A friend of
mine invited the kids and I to her son's birthday party. There were tons
of people there and even more food. There was also a pretty great DJ that
blasted Puerto Rican music. They had a great time. They asked me why there
were a lot of people who looked black but were from Puerto Rico. I
explained just like everywhere else, there are different shades of people
from every country. Sean said that "for a second there was one guy I asked
a question and I could have swarn he was black." There were a lot of kids
that they could play with. It took them a little time to warm up to
everyone but in the end it turned out great. I even helped in the kitchen
a little. My friend said that they had been cooking for 2 days working on
her 3 year old son's birthday party.

Continue reading "Puerto Rican Birthday!" »

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The kids and I went to a Native American dance and drum competition today.
I enjoyed the vibrant colors and bells of the costumes while the boys
enjoyed the drum beats more. There main point of the drumming music was,
"I can rap to this". What everyone does not know about the boys is that
they love to "free style", make up words on the spot to beats that they
hear. I can say they definedly tried. We also got a chance to try some
Native American food. They said it was good but they are used to eating
things with more flavor and hot, which is probably why they like Mexican
food sooo much.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 1:04 AM | Permalink

Today the boys and I went to the Schultz Audubon Nature Center to
experience Sky Hunters. They boys got to see a Condor up close and to ask
all the questions that they wanted about nature and how the Condor lives.
Just to let you all know, this Condor was not captured, it was rescued
after being attacked by other birds and would not be able to survive in
the wild by its self.

They boys also got a chance to see nature up close when we went on an hour
hike. They were a little disappointed that they only got to see one deer
and a few ducks but the fact is no matter how many times I asked them to
walk silently and whisper when they talked, the noise seemed to get
louder. We did here animals running away from us though,or you could see
the grass move while animals were escaping us :). They really did enjoy
the walk and they asked if they could do it again sometime. It is starting
to get pretty cold here so it might be something that we plan for the
Spring.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 1:05 AM | Permalink

Update November 17, 2007:
The boys and I went to the International Folk Fair today. It was very
exciting. There were over 50 different countries to chose from. It is fun
to learn about so many different places in one afternoon. Part of the day
we watched the different countries display their festive outfits and
dances and the other part of the day was spent trying different foods
around the world, learning about geography and history, and looking at the
many different items that were displayed around the fair. I wish there
were more activities like this in Milwaukee. As the weather gets colder
Wisconsinites tend to stay indoors and there are less outside activities
available to the kids but that is just another aspect to Wisconsin culture
and it will not stop CESAR from learning.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 10:05 PM | Permalink

Hi everyone

I want to thank you for reading the updates of CESAR's activities over the
last few months. As always we enjoy reading the great feedback about what
a positive program that you all believe CESAR is and can be. I am writing
to let you know the CESAR is going to be taking a little break for the
rest of December. We will begin again in January and I hope to see you all
right back here. Thank you so much again for everyone's support and
encouragement. Until 2008, Happy Holidays:)

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Hey CESAR Blog Fans,

Thank you so much for your patience as we have begun 2008 with more new
students and activities. :) C.E.S.A.R. now has a central meeting place
thanks to Faith Temple Church in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Minister Ernest
Eubanks has graciously offered the use of their classroom so that I can teach
Spanish and programing with C.E.S.A.R.

I have been teaching Spanish for the last few weeks to over 15 people and
C.E.S.A.R. will do programming once a month and during Spanish classes. I
have been busy building lesson plans, homework etc. I have never met so
many people excited about homework before :)

If there is anyone interested in joining C.E.S.A.R. and our Spanish
classes which are FREE, please contact me, Teneisha Ellis, at
teneisha@global-lab.org. Global Learning Across Borders is comitted to
helping youth and minorities experience study abroad and cultural
education opportunities. Again, I want to remind everyone that a majority of the
C.E.S.A.R. student are 11-17 but everyone is welcome to the Spanish
classes.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 3:53 AM | Permalink

Today we visited the Winter Pow Wow presentations at the State Fair
Grounds. Every year Native American communities from around the United
States Gather here each year compete with each other on Dance Styles,
Costume Decoration and Drumming. They also give the audience members a
chance to experience different dances which the kids enjoyed. They also
got the chance to see how Dream Catchers and Flutes were made and to ask
questions about the use of certain dances. They got to touch and taste
different aspects of Native American Culture and they had numberous
questions! I think that in the future we will need to seek out a person
willing to discuss Native American culture, which I am not an expert on,
:)with the kids. We always have an amazing time whereover and whatever
activities that I have planned. I have been very lucky to have core
students interested in everything and I want to take this time to thank
them for all of their feedback and things that they would like to do,
places they like to go and we have never stopped talking about our
experience in Mexico last summer. More updates coming soon!

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 10:49 PM | Permalink