Connecting Cultures

Singing, dancing, and laughing together! That's just some of what 5th-grade students in the U.S. and Uganda were doing this week in a live video visit. 

What a great cultural exchange we had between Nayenga Primary School in Uganda, and the Episcopal Day School in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  The students on both sides did a lot of preparation practicing songs, skits, poems, and questions. 

The Ugandan students sang about the resources in their country. Then they showed some local foods and how they cook in the villages.  Students in Uganda learn to speak English from the 3rd grade on since it is the official language. Their English is impressive and makes these exchanges possible.

Students asked questions back and forth about school subjects, weather, sports, and favorite foods. I tried to explain hamburgers to our Ugandan students, then when it came to “hot dogs” there was a lot of laughter. They knew the two words, but not together as a food It was great to see the kids laugh and enjoy themselves.

Our Connecting Cultures program exchanges introduces students on both sides to a different culture. The kids come away understanding that we are more alike than different. The U.S. students also noticed that the Ugandan students may not have many material things, but they seem happy and care about each other!

We're looking forward to two more Connecting Cultures programs this week with Apex Elementary School in North Carolina, and Hinesburg Community School, in Vermont.

Thank you for all you do!

With Gratitude,

Mary