What happens when students in Nepal meet students in CT?

Over the course of the past several weeks, students in Connecticut and students at Mandala Theater in Nepal met via virtual exchange to explore their cultural heritages.

USA-based theatre facilitator, Tim Steckler, introduced students to experiential theatre techniques, giving them a better understanding of their cultural heritages while acquiring innovative tools to critically examine and share their own connections to that heritage.

We put together a brief video that encapsulates the program – we invite you experience the Cultural Heritage Workshops with us!

What inspires a young man to grow up to be an ArtLink teacher?

The journey starts in Kasangati, Uganda. A young boy is preparing to make the 15 hour flight to the USA, as part of a troupe of artists, dancers and musicians that will tour Connecticut with Creative Connection’s International Young Performers Tour (IYPT). Over 25 years later, that same boy is now teaching 6,000 miles away from where he grew up and is inspired to bring CC’s flagship program, ArtLink, to his students. So what happens in between?

Reverend Nathan Kiyaga is an ArtLink teacher, currently living in Torquay, England. He’s also a valued friend and enthusiastic supporter of Creative Connection’s work.

We reached out to Nathan to learn a little bit more about his experience as an IYPT performer and as an ArtLink student and what inspired him to bring the program to his students at St. Cuthbert Mayne. 

Where are some of the educators we have reached this year?

The past year has been unprecedented to say the least, with COVID-19 radically changing the way that we connect with one another. Despite this year’s challenging circumstances, we’ve facilitated some of the most unique and notable partnerships we’ve seen in our almost 30 year history.

We’ve highlighted just a few of the partnerships we’ve had the privilege of fostering during the past year, and we look forward to continuing our work with them in the upcoming year!

How do you participate in a Gala that does not happen?

With COVID-19 changing the way that we gather, our team has made the decision to forgo our annual Gala and instead have a Spring Appeal.

We’re asking for your help in carrying on the work of using the arts for global understanding and healing. Knocking down walls of indifference and fear between children around the world has never been more important. Whether it’s by sponsoring an ArtLink class in an underfunded school district or by chipping in $20 to help with translation fees, you can help us create connections.

How do you bring students together to make a difference?

Despite its challenges, this year has been an exciting one, full of new opportunities for virtual connection and growth.

This Spring, 50 high school students from Kenya, Guatemala, and the USA took part in our Global Environmental Dialog – 2021 Lifelines project. Participants explored together environmental issues affecting their local communities through research, surveying, art sharing, presentation and live videoconferencing. Addressing the challenges, the students developed possible solutions they could help bring about through advocacy and action.

Additionally, CC has been selected to virtually host 13 Iraqi and 4 American high school students for two weeks next month. As part of World Learning’s Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program (IYLEP), we will provide rich virtual home stays with Center for Global Studies families. We will also facilitate “field trips” focusing on civic, environmental, and social topics that are affecting the lives of those living in our region – and in Iraq – including local government, education, climate change, and social injustice.