Students from The Boys and Girls Club in New York and Hong Kong answer the question:
“What is global citizenship?”.
Group 1 Group 2
Group 3 Group 4
Group 5 Group 6
Group 7 Group 8
Hong Kong International School:
My fifth grade class at the Hong Kong International
School, collaborated on a global citizen project with technology students from
the Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, New York. Each student shared personal
biographies to begin the collaboration process. Once we were acquainted with
each other, we began reflecting on our role and responsibilities as global citizens.
After sharing our ideas, we designed photo slideshows that captured what it
means to be a global citizen.
The end products of our collaboration are powerful, but what happened
throughout the process was inspiring. My students’ awareness of different
cultures and economic backgrounds blossomed. As they began to connect with
their peers in New York, they noticed that they shared similar interests in sports,
movies, games, TV shows and food. It soon became clear to them how fortunate
they are; they began to value their lifestyle, education and opportunities more.
Students also realized that there may be differences in individual education or
economic levels, but we all share common hopes, wonderings and worries. This
key realization is the first step in becoming a true global citizen who empathizes
with others across borders and cultures.
-Mr. Colin Weaver
Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, New York
In the spring of 2012 a group of students ranging from 6th to 8th grade from the Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh embarked in a rare and special experience. They began a unique exchange with youth living in Hong Kong that attend an international school. This exchange began with the creation of biographies that the students shared with one another. Then the students collectively brain stormed about what they feel would be an initiative that would make them global citizens.
The experience was amazing and produced an honest and thoughtful response from the students I serve at the Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh. Many of my students were apprehensive at the beginning of the project. Many did not have a clear concept of what it meant to be a global citizen. However the process of this project encouraged the youth to rise to the occasion and feel empowered about what they had to share. They were exuberant and full of ideas of how they could change their world. In one group discussion the students were struggling with the purpose of the project, debating whether it was important to explore ideas on global citizenship. A student announced that all great men and actions began with an idea. The power of that statement energized the students to discuss and record very inventive projects that could help their world. I would encourage any educator to embrace this powerful learning tool that exposes youth to the expansive world that we live in and the changes they can make.
-Ms. Miles Sandler
