FACE TO FACE 2007 (previousily known as Worlds Apart HeARTS Together)

Partners:
Washington Middle School
Lakeside Middle School
Alderwood Middle School
Seattle Girls School
Mark Mathabane, author of Kaffir Boy
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Comparative History of Ideas CHID: University of Washington
College of Education: University of Washington
Bridges To Understanding

Overall Project Design:
The project was designed again to create a community of students at WMS that step beyond the boundaries of the APP, Spectrum and Regular program tracks. WMS social studies teachers will assist with incorporating curriculum around South African history and current affairs.

The students were provided with additional materials and educational opportunities. Several lectures were presented by CHID students that had previously traveled to South Africa.
Issues addressed included, tolerance, healing, race, violence, compassion, human rights, reconciliation, forgiveness, poverty and equity. The students will explored and examine differences and similarities.

The educational lessons encompassed the history of Apartheid, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and current American issues of race and identity.
Students participated in several panel discussions with youth from the township of Cape Town, South Africa. The South Africa students traveled to the US for three weeks and stayed with WMS and Lakeside School host families.
Additionally both the WMS and South African visitors shared their perspectives and cultural traditions.

Kaffir Boy by Dr. Mark Mathabane was read by the entire 8th grade at Washington Middle School and Lakeside Middle School. Dr. Mathabane presented before 1500 students and shared his story. The students met in breakout sessions discussing the book and speech by Dr. Mathabane.

The South African students performed at Town Hall during the Gypsy Jazz concert.
The students scheduled a movie night screening the film, “Catch A Fire” which provided background information on the Apartheid system.
The WMS students organized car wash fundraiser with the South African students.
A farewell pot luck celebration occurred on the final night for the South African visitors with over 200 students from Washington Middle School, Lakeside and Seattle Girls School in attendance.