NEW YORK - Aug. 6, 2019 -New York, NY - - A total of twenty-one high school students from Global Kids (GK) programs at Bronxdale High School, Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists (BSSWA), William Cullen Bryant High School and John Adams High School in Queens and several Washington, DC schools recently returned from their summer travels in Central America, South America, and Africa. All three trips occurred between late July and early August. Throughout these journeys, young people examined critical issues facing each country, their relations with the United States, the unique and rich cultures, and the engagement of youth, government, and civil society.
Eight GK Youth Leaders from Bronxdale High School traveled to Costa Rica for a 12-day service-learning and cultural exchange trip from July 21st through August 1st. During their stay, youth explored issues of climate change and immigration and met with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Costa Rica team and other experts in the education, government affairs, environmental, and agricultural sectors. The group volunteered at Lirio Lodge for turtle conservation, hiked the Izaru volcano, spoke with faculty at the University for Peace, and took an ethnobotany class the Chilamate Eco Resort. Global Kids youth are producing a documentary about their experience that will debut this fall.
Five GK Youth Leaders from the Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists (BSSWA), Bronxdale High School, William Cullen Bryant High School, and John Adams High School visited Senegal from July 23rd to August 1st as part of a partnership with Black Birthright, an initiative of the Tunstall Foundation. The inaugural trip allowed our youth to discover the culture, history, and ties to Senegal. Highlights of the 10-day excursion included visits to Goree Island and the Museum of Black Civilizations to learn about the Transatlantic Slave Trade, witnessing Senegal's ecological beauty at Somone Lagoon Reserve and Ile de Sarpan, enjoying the sights of Senegal's shopping district and touring one of the country's most prominent college campus. The group also met entrepreneurs, educators, and Senegalese youth to discuss a variety of financial and investment concepts.
Eight GK Youth Leaders from our Washington, DC Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI) program went for a 9-day educational excursion to Colombia. In collaboration with the international research and development organization CINDE, students gained exposure and insight into Colombian history, culture, government, and geography. The group spent time in Bogota and Cartagena visiting the Museo de Oro, La Candelaria, and Bogota's unique graffiti art neighborhoods. GK Leaders also connected with experts, locals, and students from the Centro Nacional de Memoria Historia (CNMH), the nonprofit Family Ayara Foundation, and schools in the Soacha and Cartagena municipalities.
www.globalkids.org.
Contact
Yesenia Reinoso
