A PUBLICATION OF THE ALBERTA COUNCIL FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION
V O L U M E
WINTER 2014
6
Educator Profile: Christina Kuzyk Christina Kuzyk is a music teacher at Ben Calf Robe – St. Clare School in Edmonton, AB, where she works with students from First Nations communities. Christina has always had a strong passion for learning about and encouraging global citizenship. During her time at MacEwan University, she was an active participant in the Walk for Darfur as well as part of the Project HOPE International Development brigade, which travelled to Nicaragua to work with an Indigenous community in the Bosawas Biosphere. Christina is also presently a member of Ceiba Association, a local nonprofit organization in Edmonton dedicated to educating and empowering students on the concept of global citizenship. All of these experiences have not only influenced Christina’s teaching method but also the way that she lives her every day life. Throughout her teaching experience, Christina has found that students are
drawn to the idea of global citizenship and are interested in learning about others. They feel an inherent connection and curiosity to others, regardless of skin color or language. Students want to learn about others and make sure that the world is a safe and caring place for all. She believes the best way to encourage students’ interest and motivation towards global citizenship is to make meaningful connections. In her classroom, global citizenship is an active topic. Students have had opportunities to participate in various activities that foster that sense of connection, including creating and painting a large mural showcasing Aboriginal culture while working with a mural artist from Nicaragua and writing and receiving letters from students in the Indigenous community of San Andres in the Bosawas Biosphere in Nicaragua. Christina frequently brings guests to
her classroom to share stories of their experiences abroad and working across cultures with her students. Some of the most impactful activities have been in the everyday. Christina believes that educators need to lead by example – the only way you can really make change is by first changing yourself. Students ask questions, crave experience, storytelling and discussion. They have many questions about issues that don’t make sense to them and don’t seem alright, and the most important thing a teacher can do is to allow students to share their voices. When a child feels that they can share their concerns, thoughts, and feelings about an issue it allows them to open up to new ideas and to take on a new perspective. Oftentimes students have the passion; they simply need the confidence, encouragement, and support of another to feel empowered to share their voice. For many of her students, Christina is that source of support and encouragement.
International Development Week - Youth Day ACGC invites you to register your class for Youth Day 2014 for FREE! Scheduled for Thursday, January 30th, 2014 in conjunction with the University of Alberta’s International Week, Youth Day is an opportunity for Grade 10 -12 students to step into a post-secondary environment and, with facilitation by experts in the field, address issues that are both immediate and controversial. Workshops and activities are designed to be meaningful and interactive and to provide students with a forum for constructive dialogue about important social justice issues.
The goals of Youth Day include exposing youth to basic and important international development concepts, challenging youth in their perceptions of international development, reinforcing youth social networks by meeting new people, and empowering youth to take action and work towards their own vision of social change. Registration is free and lunch is provide. For more information, or to register your class click here or visit the ACGC website at www.acgc.ca