As a symbol of harvest and abundance, Autumn is a time in which the fruits of thoughts and actions planted in earlier months can finally be gathered. In Kansas City, the start of the school year serves as an integral component of the community's Autumn harvest. The resources that the education community have cultivated with care can be used to sustain each other throughout the introspection of Winter and the new growth of Spring. The IRC endeavors to strengthen and deepen these resources and connections through events and engagement opportunities for students and teachers alike. I hope to see you at some of the IRC's Autumn calendar events, and engage with you over important global education issues.
Sincerely, Chloe Thomas, Global Education Coordinator cthomas@irckc.org • 816-897-6474
Your Global Future 2022
Can you believe that Your Global Future is just one month away! The hard work that students have put in throughout the year can be celebrated and made more tangible at this college and career fair. Each student will be able to envision themselves embracing global opportunities that are just right for them - whether it be with a business, college or university, government agency, or nonprofit. 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: Philippines Schools in the Philippines re-open after more than two years of shut-down
What's happening?
Last week, The New York Times published article, 'After 2-Plus Years of Shutdowns, the Philippines Reopens Its Classroom Doors,' discussing the challenges that the country has faced in providing education to students throughout the pandemic. This re-opening is positioned as a positive development for Filipino students; however, the return to in-person learning remains a highly complex issue of international concern.
What does education in the Philippines look like?
The World Bank reported that the Philippines has a significant education gap caused in part by lack of sufficient teachers and classrooms. Private schools are often inaccessible to students and their families, meaning that the quality of public schools is very important. Throughout the pandemic, challenges in providing remote learning were exacerbated by lack of available computers and internet connection. While many nations began reopening schools, government officials and families in the Philippines expressed concerns that were relevant to their communities: 'schoolchildren could bring the virus back to homes crowded with multiple generations offamilymembers and overtax an already creaky health care system.'
What was the process for re-opening schools?
The Philippines began experimenting with re-opening schools 'in late 2021, conducting in-person classes in about 300 schools, but has now begun expanding it to cover all primary and secondary schools. Currently only some schools are in-person all five weekdays; by November, all of the country's roughly 47,000 schools will be.' The Department of Health reports indicate that 27% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 and 76% for children between the ages of 12 and 17 are vaccinated, which led to the suggestion that vaccination clinics be setup nearby to schools. While this may increase access to vaccinations, shots are not required by the government and many people are still hesitant to receive them.
If you would like to share your thoughts about this article or other global education issues, please email Chloe Thomas.
From IRC Spring Program - Academic WorldQuest
A High School Tournament of Global Knowledge
Saturday, April 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT - KU Edwards Campus
Join us for this fun and free event, where students, as a team, answer questions on various international topics. The tournament is open to teams of four students in grades 9-12, plus a faculty sponsor, from Kansas City-area high schools. Study materials are provided in advance. Fill out the interest form here!
Thewinning team will earn a cost-free chance to represent our region at the national competition, to be held on April 28-29, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
2023 Topics
1. Securing the Future of the World's Wildlife
2. The Arctic Council: Frozen Cooperation
3. Atrocity Prevention and Accountability
4. Combating Global Food Insecurity
5. Economic Sanctions - A Double-Edged Sword
6. Great Decisions
7. Country in Focus: Ethiopia
8. The Future of Supply Chains
9. Battle of the Century: Autocracy vs. Democracy
10. Current Events
Join the IRC from it's first program in the six-part series called Global Motivations. The series will paint a picture of six world powers, their internal and external drives, their evolving role in the community of nations, and what this means for the rest of the world. Tune in on Wednesday September 14 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT for a presentation regarding the European Union from Erik Brattberg, Senior Vice President of at the Europe practice at ASG and recognized expert on European politics and transatlantic relations. Register here.
East Asia 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 September 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CT to engage around current events in East Asia. Register here.
From Kansas City and Beyond Opportunities for You and Your students
KC Moon and Water Lantern Festival, September 10
The Kansas City Chinese Association (KCCA) welcomes you to attend the mid-autumn festival from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Shawnee Mission Park on September 10. Activities include tai-chi, a dragon and lion dance, and lantern designing and launching. Read more and register here.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival, September 3 - October 16
On Saturdays and Sundays from September 3 to October 16, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival will be celebrating 45 years of medieval food, dance, art, and music. Choose a themed weekend - like Shamrocks & Shenanigans or Haunted Huzzah! - or buy a season pass! Check out ticketing information here.
