Visiting with Ghana(February 23, 2016) The Fourth Grade Speakers Series is designed to provide community role models for Riverhead students and to encourage fourth graders to "never give up" on their dreams and hopes for the future. The motto of the presentations is "GOOD ENOUGH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH".
In its fifth year, students participated in one of the favorite programs in the series -- a live conversation with students in Ghana. |
Ghana Visit from Sandra Kolbo on Vimeo. |
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Oidada International / www.oiadaintl.org
According to its website, "The primary goal of O'ia-da is to increase student test scores, decrease drop-out rates and to reduce the achievement gap of schools." To achieve this goal, they utilize videoconferencing technology to connect students in the US with students in Africa. Through "LIVE" face-to-face educational and cultural exchanges, students engage in global learning. They feel "This type of exchange is a resource to teachers who are interested in accelerated learning methods, global and experiential learning."
"I think it's important," noted Mr. Brown, "for our students to learn about their ethnic heritage and be proud of who they are. Visiting with students from other countries also helps them see how much we have in common as human beings." |
Amazingly, (other than what do you have for lunch) most of the questions were answered very similarly by both sets of students! Some of the questions students from each country asked: What kind of music do you listen to? How many students do you have in your class? What kind of gaming systems do you play? What do you have for lunch? What do you do for fun after school? How many languages do you speak? Amazingly, (other than what do you have for lunch) most of the questions were answered very similarly by both sets of students!
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The exchange is coordinated by O'ia-da, a non-profit organization (www.oiadaintl.org) that has been dedicated to providing educational programs and services that encourage the appreciation of African and African American cultures and history in Ghana and the US.