With the support of a CLP grant for Round 25, three teachers completed their CLP projects at the end of the 2022-2023 academic year. The teachers applied for and won these grants in March 2023. Two current TCLP teacher accomplished their projects while in their U.S. communities. One TCLP Alumni completed the project in his home country.
Above: Abdelrahman Dawoud providing a training for teachers to implement climate change into lesson plans as part of the CLP grant
During the Spring 2023 Semester TCLP teacher Lin Pin-Shiu (Edward Sadlowski Elementary School, 2022-23) facilitated the “Hot Pot is the Stuff of Life” project and engaged participants in the cultural and historical significance of the hot pot of traditional cuisine. In the classroom, Ms. Lin taught the students about the history of hot pot in China, common ingredients used in the hot pot, the ingredients’ symbolism, and how to use chopsticks. Next, the students, their families, and school staff visited a local Chinese grocery store and restaurant to experience the hot pot firsthand. The project helped bridge the cultural disconnect between Chinese culture and the predominately Hispanic community at Edward Sadlowski Elementary School. Many participants had never had hot pot before but became interested in exploring more hot pot restaurants or making it themselves at home.
Above: Mandarin exchange teacher Ms. Lin's “Hot Pot is the Stuff of Life” project engaged participants in the cultural and historical significance of this traditional cuisine
At Seventy-First High School, the CLP titled "Passport to Global Cultures" Program, led by mentor teacher Carmen Villalobos, introduced students to various cultures in order to develop knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for different communities worldwide. The "Passports to Global Cultures" program focused on and promoted the Arabic language and culture. This project benefitted the students and community near Fort Bragg, as many join the military, and familiarization with the Arabic language and cultures of the Middle East will benefit them in their careers in national security. To promote long-term interest in the community, the project’s goal was to advance exposure to the Arabic language and culture by organizing future events such as dances and festivals, promoting Arabic clubs in the school district, and engaging in cultural activities such as games and cooking.
Above: Students enjoying a meal while exploring and learning about different cultures
Abdelrahman Dawoud (Baltimore International Academy, 2018-2019) hosted the project "Teacher PD Day' Climate Change Integration'" which focused on training teachers to implement climate change into lesson plans for students. The project was divided into three sessions. The first was on climate change and its effects, the second focused on language used in the classroom, and the final session was for hands-on activities. The project promoted awareness of climate change and its direct impact on teachers and how they, in turn, can promote awareness to students. The project aimed for students and communities to promote and help green community initiatives and improve teachers' teaching techniques. Additionally, for the project, Mr. Dawoud hosted a local grassroots organization, Green Sadat, which focuses on promoting environmentally conscious changes in the city of Sadat, Egypt.