Global Connections
Head of School Nate Morrow frequently states that CPA serves as a test plot for engaging the world as students learn to evaluate all knowledge and life by His Truth . In addition to student-teacher , peerto-peer , and school-to-community interactions that allow students to practice this piece of the Academy ’ s mission , CPA also provides opportunities to engage culture worldwide .
This engagement begins with an awareness that life exists outside our own set of experiences , in very different , but also very similar , ways . A complete understanding of the differences in people and cultures begins with understanding that all people are image-bearers of God . From this position , CPA students move from education to action , related to global differences and issues .
Global connection begins with our youngest students . CPA preschool hosts an annual International Day , during which each classroom represents a different country , including Uganda , China , Mexico , Germany , and more . Students learn facts and salutations in the language of each country .
In the lower school , fifth grade students celebrate weeks of learning about different countries during their annual International Festival . At the festival students served as ambassadors for their chosen country through a museum-style presentation that allows parents , peers , and
. . . they aren ’ t too young to understand or be involved in serving others in poverty , whether in a third-world country or right here in Nashville .
Academy students of all ages to explore Africa , Asia , Europe , and North , Central , and South America .
The third grade spent many weeks this year studying economics in relation to global hunger , grappling with questions such as : What happens to a community and its economy when food and water are scarce ? What does the Bible say about how we should interact with people who do not have sufficient resources and food ? How does hunger and poverty affect a community ?
Third grade student Will said , “ I never knew children in Kenya had to walk so far to get water . I knew they walked a lot , but I didn ’ t know it was over three miles .”
Through this project-based learning experience , students created products to promote awareness of global hunger and water scarcity . The unit concluded with a Global Hunger Symposium , during which the students sought to inspire their audience to make an impact on the world . One team of students created a water filtration system , describing it , they said : “ This system uses materials that are readily available- like rocks and sand- to make water drinkable .”
Both the fifth grade International Festival and third grade Hunger unit were followed by panels of members of the CPA community , including parents , teachers , and students , who have experienced different cultures , and seen poverty , and hunger firsthand . These interviews , paired with knowledge about the issues , allow students to realize they can be part of a solution .
Panel member and CPA Upper School student Carly stated , “ I was glad I was on the third grade Hunger panel because — as a ninth grader — I ’ m not that much older than these students . I think they realized they aren ’ t too young to understand or be involved in serving others in poverty , whether in a third-world country or right here in Nashville .”
Carly also described the impact of mission work in her own life , “ Our family has a relationship with CPA alum Karris Hudson , who founded Danita ’ s Children in Ouanaminthe , Haiti . I ’ ve been going to Haiti with my family since I was in Kindergarten . My dad wanted us to see that not everyone lives the way we live or has the resources we have . Those experiences have changed my life and given me a vision of doing more long-term mission work as I get older .”
10 SEPTEMBER 2017