Cultural Bridges sat down for an interview with Elizabeth Libbey about the importance of teaching and understanding diversity in our schools and our communities. Elizabeth is a junior elementary education major at the College of Saint Benedict and the leader of the Resurrection Lutheran Church confirmation class.
Why should the students understand diversity?
I believe in the importance of learning about other cultures is to recognize the differences and influences within each culture, but more importantly the similarities. In high school and middle school, students tend to gravitate towards those with similar cultures as themselves, thus students miss out on the opportunity to learn about others and expand their world; therefore, incorporating “diversity” into the confirmation class was to give the students an opportunity to learn about another culture, as well as their own, and to see that everyone on the planet has the same needs and deserves the same level of respect.
How are you defining diversity? How did you introduce the topic of diversity?
We define it broadly. All the students in the class are white, so we felt it was important for the students to learn about other cultures, but additionally, the diversity within the group. We started by talking about the variety of talents within our group, and ways we build each other up with our gifts. Each week we shared one good thing and one bad thing from our week, which allowed them to see the diversity and similarities just within their class.
Why are you learning about the Somali culture?
It seemed only natural to learn more about the Somali culture since they are an integral part of our community. Resurrection Lutheran has a strong outreach program to the Somali community and works with Cultural Bridges on many outreach efforts, and our confirmation students have Somali students in their schools.
How have you introduced the class to the Somali culture?
Three high school/college aged Somali young women shared their culture and religion with us, and we shared our culture and religion with them. Throughout the evening, everyone grew more comfortable asking and responding to questions and we realized our cultures and religions have many things in common. The class also visited the Mogadishu Restaurant and Store in St. Cloud. We learned about what they eat by looking at the foods in the grocery store. One parent volunteer commented that she was impressed and surprised by the amount and variety of grains available. Each confirmation student tried the food in the restaurant. They liked the sambusas the best. One seventh grader asked to take food home and she excitedly told me, “I can’t wait to take the leftovers to school tomorrow for lunch!” The visit to the restaurant and guests to our class opened the eyes of the students to a new culture and foods they enjoy.
What do you want the students to take away from the classes and experience regarding diversity?
We want students to understand that diversity makes us a stronger and better community. We want them to be proud of their culture and to understand how their experiences to date have shaped who they are; but we want them to be accepting of other cultures and to be open to new experiences and understanding which will continue to shape who they are. We hope they have also learned how to express their opinions and views on topics which may differ from others. The discussions in the class showed that we were successful. The students understanding of the Somali culture was strengthened and they understood the importance of learning about, and being accepting of other cultures and how different cultures are what make our community stronger.
Do you have anything to add?
I visited the restaurant a few weeks before I took the class. I do not speak Somali and the employees did not speak English which led to a communication block. Immediately I felt welcomed and saw their excitement for my interest in learning their language and trying their food. It made me realize immigrants/refugees feel the same way. They come here often not knowing our language or our culture, so I grew an appreciation for the strength it takes to move to a new place and hope we welcome them as I felt welcomed.
Submitted by Cultural Bridges
