Programs & Events 2009
Teaching Tolerance through English
For the fourth time in a row since 2006, from August 1-15, 2009, 55 students (ages 11-14) and 11 English as a Foreign Language teachers from Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania and Slovakia participated in the “Teaching Tolerance though English” summer camp in Balatonlelle, Hungary.
Camp Director Ms. Molly Staeheli and her eight camp counselors engaged the students and their teachers of Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, Serb, Croat, Kosovar, Montenegrin and Roma origin in a variety of athletic, theatrical, artistic and educational activities designed to further their understanding of and tolerance towards each other’s cultures while enhancing their English language skills. The teacher training component was facilitated by Drs. Mary Lou McCloskey and Lydia Stack, two American educators who are respected textbook writers and teacher educators. They used American as well as regional literature, songs, skits, games and other materials throughout the program. A large portion of the training materials was donated by American NGOs and publishing houses. As follow-up programs, participants will continue to work on joint tolerance projects both via e-mail and exchange visits.
The program was fully sponsored by the Regional English Language Office and the Public Affairs Section of the American Embassy in Budapest, and the U.S. embassies in Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, and Slovakia.