Creating Global Citizens at Home

At Intiwasi, we believe in the importance of raising global citizens—children who are aware of the world beyond their immediate surroundings and are prepared to contribute positively to the global community. As parents, you play a crucial role in fostering this global mindset at home. Here’s a guide on how you can nurture global citizenship in your children, inspired by insights from UNESCO.

1. Celebrate Cultural Diversity: One of the first steps in raising global citizens is to celebrate and embrace cultural diversity. Here’s how you can do this:
   

   1. Explore Different Cultures: Introduce your children to various cultures through books, music, food, and festivals. This exposure helps them appreciate the richness of different traditions and perspectives.

   2. Learn a New Language: Encourage your children to learn a new language. It opens up a world of opportunities and enhances their understanding of other cultures. At Intiwasi, our dual language Spanish immersion program is a great example of how language learning can be integrated into daily life.

   3. Connect with People from Different Backgrounds: Create opportunities for your children to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. This can be through community events, cultural exchanges, or virtual pen pals.

2. Foster Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: Children are naturally curious. Encourage this curiosity to help them develop an open-minded approach to the world:
   

   1. Ask Questions: Encourage your children to ask questions about the world around them. Provide them with resources to find answers and engage in discussions that broaden their understanding.

   2. Travel Virtually: If traveling physically isn’t an option, take virtual tours of museums, historical sites, and cities around the world. This can be an exciting way to explore new places from the comfort of your home.

   3. Discuss Global Issues: Talk about global issues such as climate change, poverty, and human rights. Use age-appropriate language to help your children understand these complex topics and their impact on the world.
      

3. Encourage Empathy and Compassion: Empathy and compassion are essential qualities of a global citizen. Here are ways to cultivate these traits in your children:
   

   1. Volunteer Together: Participate in community service activities as a family. Volunteering helps children understand the importance of helping others and making a positive impact.

   2. Support Global Causes: Involve your children in supporting global causes, whether it’s through donations, awareness campaigns, or eco-friendly practices. Explain the significance of these actions and how they contribute to the greater good.

   3. Model Empathy: Children learn by observing. Show empathy and compassion in your daily interactions and encourage your children to do the same.

4. Integrate Global Learning into Daily Life: Incorporating global learning into your daily routine can reinforce the values of global citizenship:

   1. International News: Watch international news together and discuss current events. This helps children stay informed about what’s happening around the world.

   2. Global Cuisine: Cook meals from different countries and learn about their cultural significance. This can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family.

   3. Cultural Crafts: Engage in crafts and activities that highlight different cultures. This hands-on approach makes learning about the world enjoyable and memorable.

Conclusion

Raising global citizens starts at home. By celebrating cultural diversity, fostering curiosity, encouraging empathy, integrating global learning into daily life, and leveraging educational resources, you can help your children develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an interconnected world. At Intiwasi, we are committed to supporting you in this important endeavor, ensuring that together we can nurture a generation of compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive global citizens.