From Play to Global Citizenship

For the first year, this June 11, the International Day of Play was being celebrated across the globe. This day emphasizes the universal language of play, surpassing cultural, socio-economic and linguistic boundaries. Play is not merely a recreational activity; it is a fundamental aspect of human potential, especially in children. It nurtures cognitive, social, and emotional growth. At IVECA, we recognize the transformative impact of play-based collaborative learning on child development and are dedicated to integrating these elements into our mission of fostering intercultural competence of global citizens.

By providing tangible or imaginable problems to solve with creativity,  playing facilitates building knowledge and awareness. IVECA’s learning activities are designed to foster students’ sense of belonging in global society, by engaging them with international affairs and their impact on local communities and their partner countries. These tasks require them to think critically and creatively, promoting a deeper understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives. By acquiring knowledge about different cultural influences and learning to navigate complex problems, students develop cognitive skills that are essential for global citizenship.

Play’s interactivity promotes social growth by helping children explore social dynamics, build responsible relationships, and experience compassionate teamwork through challenging activities with other members. IVECA often sets simulated intercultural learning environments where students can play multi-stakeholder roles to adopt various perspectives in tackling real-world issues in collaboration.  Through these interactive activities, students learn to communicate effectively and cooperate with peers from diverse backgrounds with compassion. 

Play also cultivates emotional advancement by enabling children to express themselves properly, manage emotions, and experience resilience-building. IVECA’s programs encourage students to share their feelings and perspectives on dynamic aspects of daily life, including both traditional and contemporary community practices.  Students can be guided to virtually participate in community festivals and play their childhood games with their partners overseas and exchange both joy and frustrations. While undergoing emotional challenges in such activities, they also learn the similar and different values and meanings behind the games and communities. These experiences teach students to appreciate the emotional nuances of different cultures, develop empathy, and enhance their ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. 

On this celebratory day and throughout the year, IVECA proudly stands alongside this worldwide movement, using the universal language of play to educate, inspire, and unlock the boundless potential of students around the globe. By leveraging the power of interactive and collaborative learning, IVECA strives to build a more connected, compassionate world where students from all backgrounds can come together, explore new perspectives, and develop the skills needed to thrive as global citizens.

#IVECA #GCED #VirtualExchange #InteractiveLearning #InterculturalCompetence #InternationalDayofPlay

A Semester of Global Engagement

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, fostering global citizenship among students has never been more crucial. The IVECA Spring Semester 2024 was kicked off successfully with teachers and students preparing for live encounters with their partners, the much-awaited Live Classes! 

This spring, IVECA has the pleasure of collaborating with teachers from Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Korea, Nepal, and Taiwan creating an enriching semester for all students through Teacher Professional Development (TPD) sessions designed to equip educators with the knowledge needed for a smooth start.

The TPD sessions supply educators with the skills and knowledge to engage students in meaningful, cross-cultural exchanges. Through these sessions, teachers are introduced to the IVECA platform's diverse features, including the Teachers' Room, which facilitates connections with global counterparts. Educators also gain insights into the Live Class, an interactive virtual event that features student presentations, cultural performances, and heartfelt farewell letters, showcasing students' cross-cultural learning, and connections. By preparing teachers to guide their students in posting personal introductions, sharing cultural insights, and posing thought-provoking questions, these sessions play a crucial role in fostering a global perspective among students.

With the guidance of our distinguished teachers, students began introducing themselves to their global partners, demonstrating remarkable engagement, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning about their partner's culture. These dynamic online interactions cultivate an environment where learners can forge meaningful connections and develop a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

As one student from Korea replied to his partner from Brazil “I think it's a good opportunity to talk to a friend in another country. Curitiba, where you live, is listed as an eco-friendly city in our social studies textbook, but it is not explained in detail, so I wonder what kind of city Curitiba is. Also, I am curious about Brazil's traditions.”

With teachers' invaluable support, IVECA aims to create a journey full of learning, engagement, and exchange for students around the world. Together, we develop curricula that foster interculturally competent global citizens, capable of understanding people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and finding sustainable, peaceful solutions to address today's issues.

#IVECA #InternationalVirtualSchooling #InterculturalCompetence #TPD #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalEducation #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #SpringSemester

Celebrating Unity in Diversity

On May 21, the United Nations International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the global community celebrates the richness of human cultures and promotes dialogue, understanding, and development across borders. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering mutual respect and appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape our world. Let us participate in productive dialogue, listen to new perspectives, and celebrate our diversity to foster sustainable development.

The significance of this international day lies in its emphasis on recognizing the value of cultural diversity as a driving force for sustainable development and social cohesion. By promoting dialogue and understanding among different cultures, it seeks to build inclusive societies where all individuals can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. Individuals who embrace their unique culture and background possess the confidence to communicate their varied perspectives. Through education, awareness-raising activities, and policy initiatives, the UN aims to promote cultural diversity as a source of strength and innovation, essential for addressing global challenges and achieving peace and prosperity for all.

IVECA International Virtual Schooling shares a similar mission of promoting cultural diversity, understanding, and dialogue among youth worldwide. Through its online platform, IVECA connects students from diverse cultural backgrounds, allowing them to engage in virtual exchanges, collaborative projects, and cultural immersion experiences. By facilitating meaningful interactions and fostering intercultural competence, IVECA empowers students to become global citizens who respect and appreciate cultural diversity while working together to address shared challenges.

As the world continues to grapple with complex issues such as inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation, initiatives like the UN International Day for Cultural Diversity and organizations like IVECA play a vital role in promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across cultures. "Cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations," as highlighted in UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. By embracing our differences and harnessing the collective wisdom of diverse perspectives, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.

#IVECA #CulturalDiversity #GCED #VirtualExchange #FosteringEmpathy