Project Hearth was created out of our Intercambios (exchanges), which remain one of Hearth’s core projects.
This initiative began with identifying a need within our schools. So much of what we learn about other cultures and the lives of youth around the world is condensed into a few surface level prompts in textbooks. Without listening to and recognizing other perspectives within the classroom, we miss out on invaluable insight into not only nuanced cultural diversity but also commonalities that thread through our lives.
As the world grows increasingly digitally connected, what’s stopping us from bringing students from different parts of the world together to connect and share ideas?
With Project Hearth, nothing.
Starting in Spanish 4 and AP Spanish classes at Vista Del Lago High School, we host bimonthly intercambios (exchanges) with girl leaders from around Latin America and students in California to help bridge connections between cultures and foster a more inclusive community in the classroom and beyond.
The ultimate goal of our intercambios is to amplify girls’ stories and perspectives within educational settings, to facilitate the sharing of ideas between passionate youth, and to develop a sense of community and shared understanding despite different backgrounds.
We have hosted multiple intercambios with girls around Peru and are in the process of organizing our first set of exchanges for the 2021-2022 school year with girls from various parts of Mexico.