For many in our community, August is synonymous with the commencement of a new school year. Students, teachers, and administrators re-enter their classrooms with stories about summer break and goals for the year to come. These educational spaces are important in connecting and growing as individuals, communities, and global citizens. To contribute to Kansas City's educational ecosystem and strengthen schools' global perspective, the IRC works to deliver engaging and accessible programming - such as Your Global Future and Academic WorldQuest. I look forward to collaborating with you on these signature programs and more. Wishing you a wonderful 2022-2023 school year.
Sincerely, Chloe Thomas, Global Education Coordinator cthomas@irckc.org • 816-897-6474
Your Global Future 2022
Making any important decision requires a thorough understanding of the available options and their implications. The same can be said for high school students who are making post-graduation plans. The International Relations Council is here to help with the return of our 5th annual Your Global Future college and career fair! What makes Your Global Future unique? Not only does Your Global Future include exhibitors from businesses, colleges, trade schools, nonprofits - each exhibitor is also highlighting the international aspects of their work. Save the date and register your students for Your Global Future, taking place at the Kansas City Convention Center on Tuesday, October 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT.
In Global Education News: Yemen Edris, the yellow school bus, visits children in Yemeni refugee camps
What's happening?
In April, The Guardian published article, 'Meet Edris, the big yellow school bus that roams Yemen's refugee camps.' Because refugee camps are often located miles from schools, education can be inaccessible and too costly for young people living in the camp to attend. Funded by Kuwait's Rahma International Association and run by local nonprofit Al-Twasul for Human Development, the Edris bus is a creative solution intended to get children back in school. How does it work?
When the bus arrived in Mafraq - a refugee camp located in eastern Yemen and 7 miles away from the nearest school, students displaced by conflict had a new opportunity to learn. "For three months, from 8am to noon every day except Fridays, children aged six to 10 went to school. Sitting on colourful chairs outside in the shade of the bus awnings, or inside on the chequered floor, 94 children received intensive lessons in Arabic, Islamic studies, mathematics and science, to help them catch up with the learning they have missed because of the war." Edris is staffed by four teachers and also carries a computer lab and a library. How is learning measured?
Similar to other schools, students onboard Edris take an exam at the end of three months of learning. After passing the exam, students receive a certificate that they can present to a school once they are able to enroll. In Mafraq, all 94 participating students received their certificates. Will this project continue?
Five more school buses are being equipped for visits to other refugee camps in the coming months. Chariman of Al-Twasul for Human Development, Ra'ed Ibrahim, "hopes to reach 5,000 displaced children each academic school year."
If you are interested in learning more about current events in Yemen, please register for the IRC's 'What's happening in Yemen?' program on Wednesday, August 24 from 12-1 p.m. CT here. If you would like to share your thoughts, please email Chloe Thomas.
As the largest and perhaps most recognizable intergovernmental organization in the world, the United Nations is "one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity" (UN - About Us). Join the IRC and Jay Sjerven, president emeritus of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City, on Wednesday August 3 from 12-1 p.m. CT for a discussion on current events at the UN. Register here.
Europe and Russia Roundtable Meeting The IRC's regional Roundtable Meetings provide an opportunity to connect with others around a particular part of the world. Whether your interest is born from travel, academic inquiry, or professional experience, join us August 29 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT to engage around current events in Europe and Russia. Register here.
From Kansas City and Beyond Opportunities for You and Your students
Education Summit 2022: Systems Change, August 13
The National WWI Museum and Memorial and Global Alliance for Education of Nations will be hosting a three-part Education Summit featuring today's big ideas and challenges in our education system. Topics include Curriculum Transformation and Social-Emotional Health and Well-Being. You can find more information and register here.
43rd Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival, August 19-21
From August 19 to 21, Kansas City will celebrate the 43rd Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival at the Swope Park. Each day will highlight different cultural groups through food, dance, and music. Click here for more information.
