Last year, 46% of LCC funds, almost $1.5 million, went toward projects that benefitted young people in school, out of school and after school. Because programming for young people is a core part of the LCC program, this year we will be highlighting examples of successful, high quality arts education programs from around the state. The "Three Cups of Tea" endeavor is one such example.
The Three Cups of Tea project featured a lecture at the Dover Sherborn High School by author and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Greg Mortenson, whose efforts have resulted in exemplary humanitarian work in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Students were intensively involved in the planning and implementation of the lecture and related arts activities. From creating Pakistani influenced quilts, to designing fundraising bracelets, to South Asian students giving dance performances, students became immersed in and inspired by Mr. Mortenson's work of literature.
The arts supported learning in social studies and English; the Social Studies, English and Arts departments were involved in planning a broad spectrum of events with the goal of impressing upon the school community the essential role of education in creating mutual respect and better understanding of the global community. The two year long multi-disciplinary, community-wide project was both educational and service-oriented in focus, in an effort to raise global awareness, to build community and to commit to peace in the world.
The project built community around the book, Three Cups of Tea, read by high school students, faculty and staff in 2008. The book was also available to the broader community, and adjunct activities were held in the elementary schools and the town libraries and were open to the public. The focal points of the project, funded in part by the Dover and Sherborn Cultural Councils, were two presentations given by Greg Mortenson in 2009. The first presentation was specifically for the students at Dover Sherborn High School. Hosted by the high school students, Mr. Mortenson spoke at an all school assembly of approximately 650 students, teachers and administrators. The second presentation, a sold-out evening lecture, was open to the general public.
As part of this project, the Pakistani felting technique was brought to the high school's art classes. Students were exposed to this technique and then created their own original felting projects. During an afterschool project, students volunteered to create and produce a felted wall hanging to raise money for Mr. Mortenson's work. One student created her own quilt to be auctioned off at a fundraising dinner.
The English Department created study questions and vocabulary lists, and created student writing prompts and questions, while the Social Studies Department made maps of Afghanistan and surrounding areas online and in class. Both departments collaborated on all aspects of the project, including bringing speakers and presenters to enrich students' understanding and preparing the assemblies and banquet for Mortenson's visit. One speaker was Rachel Lehr of Rubia, Inc. Rubia's mission is to develop economic opportunities through the craft heritage of embroidery work, to support education and to promote health and well being for Afghan women and their families.
Overall, the Three Cups of Tea project had a far-reaching effect on the Dover Sherborn High School students, as both organizers and participants. By engaging with the author and planning and participating in a wealth of related arts and humanities activities, students were able to see the impact of their education and activism, and recognize their power to make a difference in an interdependent world.
You can read more about the project and see additional photos here.
