3328 Elliot Ave. Door #11 Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 668-5115 Fax: 612-668-5140
Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Dear Partner in Our Hope:
What: You are cordially invited to attend the celebratory presentation and exhibit of Wellstone International High School students’ “STOP THE HATE & SPREAD THE HOPE” multi-media exhibit. Students have created over 25 projects that share their authentic messages through videos, slide shows, posters, websites, blogs, online games, and books.
When: This coming Thursday, May 26th - 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Where: Davis Center – Minneapolis Public Schools headquarters, Phone: (612) 668-0000
1250 West Broadway | Minneapolis | Minnesota | 55411-2533
Background:
During the spring quarter of 2016, approximately 75 students of the Advanced Writing classes at Wellstone International High School have been engaged in a Problem-Based Learning project.
The process has been supported by World Savvy’s Classroom Communities and addresses this year’s theme, “Population and Progress.” Student volunteers from the Minneapolis College of Arts and Design, St. Thomas University, Cretin-Derham Hall High School, as well as Teacher Candidates from Hamline University, have also supported our students as they developed their personal projects.
The pedagogical framework driving this adventure is inspired by the Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire’s, cornerstone affirmation that: the goal of problem-posing education is praxis, which is “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.” (Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed – 1970/1990, p. 33)
As students discussed the issues that are most challenging to them, while they begin their new journeys here in Minneapolis, ONE overall concern surfaced as that of greatest impact in their daily lives. The majority clearly acknowledged a worrisome increase in hateful rhetoric and behavior during the current American presidential campaign. They concluded this sentiment to be based upon racism and phobias specifically targeting Muslims and Latinos, which just so happen to make up 95% of Wellstone International High Schools’ student population.
Once acknowledging the focus their Problem-Based Learning project would address; they began to contemplate possible responses. One refrain emerged with overwhelming clarity:
“Stop the Hate & Spread the Hope.”
Following many student-led discussions and brainstorming sessions, these young immigrants identified the CAUSE behind this hateful sentiment. Unfortunately, a large number of Americans seem to lack accurate, detailed information, as well as personal experiences, to better inform their opinions of specific groups of immigrants targeted as scapegoats for various personal frustrations and misconceptions.
Through this project, the students at Wellstone have decided to share their “messages” in the hope of transforming their world through reflection and action. They are committed to building bridges - not walls, and spreading hope - rather than hate.
We encourage you to join us in this praxis.
Contact information: Daniel Chaves Aamot – - (612) 554-6474