BEYOND THE BLOCK

We started with letters. Each one was written by a student from Kolkata and addressed: “Dear friend at School 31.” As the students in Buffalo read letters from their counterparts at Calcutta Rescue, they asked about a variety of topics ranging from the rules of cricket to the water quality issues in India. Through this activity, we realized that building a bridge between two schools across the world can open many doors. Students who have opportunities to communicate – both in writing and through videos – with students from other cultures develop a global perspective, one that allows them to move “beyond the block” and approach issues in their community with a more informed mindset. They develop confidence in their communication skills. They realize that their strengths – such as drawing, writing, and speaking – can help them learn more effectively and, in turn, teach others. Through Beyond the Block, we aspire to help students develop communication skills, global awareness, and self-confidence.