150 Future Forwards: Exploring Frontiers in Education
values, and beliefs of one’s own culture and the cultures of others.” As
explained in Table 1, we wondered whether “empathy” is implicitly
implied in the definition above or if it is an extension of multicultural
literacy. In other words, can a student be multiculturally literate without
feeling empathy? The two excerpts below are examples of reflections
that we coded for multicultural literacy but not for empathy.
EXCERPT #10 - Multicultural Literacy
“This month has been very eventful in India. With numerous festivals
being celebrated, we at acorn thought that it would be a great idea to use
this opportunity to initiate activities that helped enhance the festival
environment. The activity that I was connected with involved making
Diwali artefacts in the art room using some art supplies. We made these
artifacts along with the acorn kids and this was particularly fun for me.
For instance after some of the kids were done making diyas we helped
them make paper lanterns that they could take home. So at the end of
our session with the acorn kids each kid had at least 3 artefacts that they
were going to take home. This was only possible because we all worked
together to ensure that no one was feeling left out. I strongly believe that
the main reason this activity was a success was the fact that we all worked
together as a team and also we ensured that all of the activities were
planned by keeping in mind the social surrounding of India.”
EXCERPT #11 - Multicultural Literacy
“After interviewing many village people, playing with kids at the school,
and going on night safaris, I began to develop a new perspective of India.
I realized something that I usually forget living in a dirty, poor, and
bustling city like Mumbai; I realized that India is full of potential. Not only
does it have people who are striving for a better life, but it also has kids
that are happy and intelligent and deserve opportunities that will help
them reach their full potential. And India isn't just the dirty pavements of
Mumbai but also the rich forests and diverse wildlife that it keeps hidden
away in national parks. The whole experience definitely gave me a more
appreciative and open view of India.”
