THE GAMES THAT UNITE US When my family was living in West Africa, we became accustomed to seeing almost anything that had been thoroughly exhausted as a source of food or fuel get kicked toward a goal. Bottle caps, tin cans that could no longer be reused as containers, rotted cashew shells, abundant unripe mangoes—all…
Soccer is the world’s game and can connect us with a world community. For one month every four years it culminates in the World Cup, this June 11-July 11. This list is abridged from the longer list located in the Play! Chapter of Growing Up Global. 1. Do the WAKA WAKA and tap in to…
Women’s power has hit a new high – or a new low, depending on your view of global politics. Recently, a conservative Iranian cleric pronounced that women’s immodest clothing choices spur adultery and therefore increase the risk of devastating earthquakes. I didn’t pay much attention to this ridiculous, fear-based statement, but I am fascinated by…
This six-minute BBC clip (BBC Finland’s Education Success) contains some serious gems gained from learning about what makes some country’s education systems outstanding and why America’s schools have been dropping in global rankings. Finland’s children have consistently performed at the top of international rankings year after year. I highlight this trend in Growing Up Global…
I breathe a sigh of relief today as my children return to school from Spring Break and our routines resume. Before the hectic pace kicks in, though, it’s worth considering the confluence of events that just took place. President Obama’s weekly address to the nation recognized this – “to call on people of all faiths…
Last night I met Connie Duckworth, founder of Arzu Rugs. In the Appendix of Growing Up Global I suggest Arzu among the beautiful ways to adorn your home and support gender equality, so it was very special to meet Connie passing through Philly. Arzu (meaning “hope” in Dari, and Farsi speakers will recognize this word…
