May 22, 2018 -- Students on Canterbury Elementary School’s Ambassador Council recently learned the meaning behind the phrase “the grass is always greener.”

They’ve spent the year communicating with students at Colegio Dominicas Vistabellas, their sister school in the Canary Islands, a tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northwest Africa. The school’s large swimming pool and access to white sandy beaches might make Clevelanders ooh and aah with envy, but those Spanish-speaking students 3,700 miles away are obsessed with our snow.

“Every time we talk to them online, they want to know about the snow,” said Spanish teacher Jessica Artman, who advises the Ambassador Council. Earlier in the year, she videoed the student Ambassadors playing in the snow outside the school. They greeted their 4th grade counterparts and said, “It’s very cold here,” in Spanish before throwing snowballs at the camera.

On a recent Wednesday morning, when the temperature in Cleveland was a pleasant 75 degrees, the Spanish students were still asking about the snow. Canterbury’s Ambassadors were happy to report that “Hace calor!” (It’s hot!)

The two schools communicate using Google Hangout, an application similar to Skype that allows them to see and hear one another. Each Canterbury student approached the camera to introduce themselves in Spanish, tell where they live, how old they are, and some of their likes and dislikes. Then the Canary Islands students did the same, but in English.

 

Students noticed that, despite their dramatically different surroundings, there were many similarities. “They like basketball too!” said 5th grader Ryan Harris. They talked about studying for tests, practicing musical instruments and playing with their friends. And the Canary Islands students wanted to ask about LeBron James!

“Even though they live halfway around the world, kids are kids,” said Ms. Artman.

“One difference I heard though is that they swim at school three times every week,” said 4th grader Jayla Scruggs. “We don't do that!”

The Ambassador Council is made up of 16 students in grades 3 through 5 who act as leaders in their building and help expand the focus from one that is purely local to one that is global. Students had to complete an application in which they identified which International Baccalaureate traits they most embodied.

“Remember, our duty is more than just to learn the Spanish language,” said Ms. Artman. 

The council is currently embarking on a fundraising initiative for the Pulsera Project, an international non-profit that sells pulseras, or woven bracelets, made by artisans in Central America. According to their website, “We brighten U.S. schools with art and compelling cultural education while employing nearly 200 artists and investing proceeds to create lasting change in Central American communities.” 

Canterbury’s Ambassadors were excited to explore the box of colorful beaded and woven bracelets that had recently arrived at their school. They will be selling them to their fellow students, parents and community members at lunchtime, concerts and end-of-school events for $5 each. 

“The money we collect will help them with housing, medical care, roads and schools,” said 3rd grader Nina Morris. Fourth grader Gabe Dodson was quick to point out that “Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Eastern Hemisphere.”

This in-depth look at cultures and countries across the globe has instilled wanderlust in Canterbury’s Ambassadors. They all enthusiastically agreed that they want to visit the places they’re learning about. Perhaps some of them will have the opportunity to go during Cleveland’s long, snowy winters.