The Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc. realizes how difficult the process of adaptation to a new school and new neighbourhood can be. The Ambassador Program was designed to accommodate and support the needs of the “new” students.
The goals of this program are to develop respect, appreciation and tolerance for individuals different from ourselves. By forming “Welcome Groups” between the established students (the Ambassadors) and the newcomers, the Ambassadors offer emotional and social support to their new friends with the assistance of the staff or guidance counsellor. Some of the new students require more support (eg. with learning English) while others adjust fast and easy. The Ambassadors offer their friendship by: playing during recess time, helping the newcomers in the classroom, tutoring English, introduce the new students to other students and school staff. The Ambassadors will support the new students emotionally and encourage their independence through participation in various school activities. The Ambassadors and the school will learn about the values in different cultures and traditions.
The Ambassador Program was established in 1994 at one Winnipeg school as a pilot project and then introduced to two more schools in 1995 and 1996. The staff at the schools involved in the Ambassador Program participated in a sensitivity training session and each class received a presentation on issues like racism, multiculturalism, immigration etc. . This was the background information for the implementation of the Program to schools.
The Ambassador Program lesson plan manual has evolved based on the various presentations requested by schools in Winnipeg and the pilot Ambassador Program.
The manual contains 4 section according to levels of learning:
Early Years (K-3)
Themes for this section:
Everybody is Special: everyone has something to offer and is unique. We should celebrate these differences.
We’re Different, We’re the Same: teaches the students positive ways to think about others and recognizes that we all have the same needs and feelings. This is a unit dealing with respect toward each other and toward Earth and her creatures.
- Prejudice is not fair!: students learn the meaning of prejudice and how some actions of others can hurt. The students learn to appreciate and celebrate the differences.
Middle Years (4-6)
Themes for this section:
Introduction to Refugees: teaches the students how negative influences of ethnic, religious, political conflicts affect our lives. Students will recognize the differences between our lives and those in war torn countries and will appreciate the peaceful life we have in Canada.
Introduction to a Native Culture: teaches the students about values in Native Culture. Students will learn to appreciate and respect the Native People and their traditions and beliefs.
We have more in common than you think: discussion about stereotypes and the personal stories will help the students realize that we have a lot in common with others.
Junior Years (7-S1)
Themes for this section:
Celebrating Cultural Diversity: helps to understand how different cultural traditions and beliefs can have a positive impact on our lives. How we can appreciate the different cultures and develop respect and understanding of these differences.
Differences between Immigrants and Refugees: teaches the students the differences between the two categories of people and the issues that might arise from their settlement to a new country.
Stereotypes about Aboriginal People: teaches to understand that stereotyping is not acceptable and harmful. Students will recognize that Aboriginal People face many problems in today’s society but positive approach (treatment) will help Aboriginal Students to be proud of their own culture.
Understanding Racism: shows how unfair racial behaviour and treatment hurts and how we can be more accepting of a stranger.
Senior Years (S2-S4).
Themes for this section:
Refugee Experience: assists in the understanding of the refugee experience through a simulation scenario. This simulation will help students understand the survival skills required of refugees. It shows that friendly treatment and friends will help in the adaptation to a new school and a new country.
First Nation Experience: assist in the understanding of the First Nation Experience through a simulation scenarios. This simulation will help non-Native Students understand the emotions Native People experience, and will help Native Students to appreciate who they are.
This manual was designed to be flexible, user-friendly and includes other resource material and activities that might be used. Resources that are available through school libraries or public libraries can be used in place of the suggested materials.
It is our hope that through the Ambassador Program and other similar programs, schools will continue to develop a supportive community environment free from racism, prejudice, and intolerance.