Since 2006, a unique initiative between children from Australia and Peru has taken place. The project ‘Our World Through Children’s Eyes,’ is a cross-cultural and conservational art project linking children from small villages in Peru with children from outback bush schools in Australia.
"Our World through Children's Eyes" focuses on educating children about the environment through the medium of art. The project commenced in 2001 with a travelling exhibition of international children’s artwork at rural schools in Australia and has now developed into a more personalised program with children getting to know stories about the artists and their communities in both countries.
The program was developed to:
- support and encourage children's understanding of each others cultural and physical environments, through the medium of art
- foster future ongoing cultural exchanges between both countries, beyond the completion of the project
- educate and encourage children to be actively involved in their community.
- foster a sustainable attitude towards our environment
The project is a collaboration of Australian Not For Profit organisations and individuals with a desire to implement cross-cultural children’s programs between Australia and Peru. The key members are Circles of Learning, Peru’s Challenge and the Peruvian (and Latin American) communities in Sydney.
Our mission is to foster children's life-long learning skills through artistic expression and put a smile on children's faces.
Our children face many challenges in the future relating to climate change that will need new approaches to find the best solutions. To support our children’s ability in seeking answers for tomorrow’s challenges we believe it is critical during their childhood years to cultivate creative skills and foster their connection with the world.
The Australian Stage of the Program
In October 2007, further enhancing the objectives of the project two Peruvian biology and communications graduates were invited to Australia to participate in a seven weeks cross-cultural and conservation program. The graduates were chosen from a group of volunteers that participated in the Peruvian stage of the project in Lima and Cusco regions in April and May 2007.
The graduates’ itinerary in Australia included attending the launch of “Our World Through Children’s Eyes” children’s art ex hibition, a two week educational program at Taronga Zoo and a three week tour to rural primary schools in NSW. During their visits to the schools the graduates were able to facilitate the teachers’ and children’s understanding of Peruvian conservation issues and lifestyles.
To celebrate the achievements of “Our World Through Children’s Eyes,” project an children’s art exhibition was launch at the ABN AMBRO Building Aurora Place Sydney. The launch and exhibition created an opportunity for Australians to gather an understanding about Peruvian through a variety of forms including musicians, dance groups, food and beverages, children’s artwork and stories about their cultural lifestyles on fifteen large banners.
A key consideration in inviting the Peruvians to Australia was to enhance their conservation knowledge, foster a cultural exchange between both countries, and teach them the skills and knowledge to take the concepts of ‘Our World Through Children’s Eyes’ back to Peru.
Kelly Palomino Pinto one of the graduates shares her experiences of the program
I was very enthusiastic of sharing time with the Australian kids and learning about their culture, community and customs. The kids were very enthusiastic and receptive to learn about Peru.
The experiences of travelling around New South Wales schools provided a great insight into Australia culture and natural environments. I enjoyed the experience working at Taronga Zoo, sightseeing in Sydney, visiting the small towns, farms, rainforests, beaches and the wildlife in their natural environment.
Some of the comments we have received from the Australian students on what was learnt during their participation in the program included:
- I didn’t know anything about Peru before I started but now I know that they play games like spinning top and marbles.
- Happy that people took the time to take my picture & everybody else’s to Peru
- I feel great when I see other countries paintings and knowing that they enjoyed seeing mine
- I felt good about communicating with people in Peru using artwork
- I feel great to know that my artwork has been displayed and liked. I also thought that it was great for people to try art for the first time
- I feel good because I learnt about animals from Peru
- Good because other kids learnt about aussie animals
- Important because I was involved and friends work went to Peru.
Our future Plans in Peru
In April 2008, we are returning the Peruvian children’s artwork that has already been on display around Australia, as well as presenting a slideshow of the Australian school visits during November 2007.
The future objectives for “Our World Through Children Eyes” is to develop it as annual cross-cultural exchange program between both countries. We are planning to return to the schools over the following three to five years to introduce new topics and ideas whilst cementing friendships between Peruvian and Australian children.
We will also like to design a website that incorporates the different stages of the program. The website will become a tool for the schools who participate in the program to continue the cross-cultural development whilst increasing their understanding of conservation issues. In addition, new schools will be invited to come online to create a global resource for children to learn from each other.
We are seeking partners to help us complete this next stage and implement the program in other communities, and we invite sponsors to assist in the selection process.
The Benefits for Sponsors and individuals
Our World Through Children’s Eyes provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to be identified in both countries as a company working with the community to improve ecological practices and social wellbeing.
Our project will provide opportunities via art exhibitions to promote cross-cultural relations between Australia and Peru. Sponsors will be acknowledged in all media releases, and have their logo displayed at all associated events.
Companies can either sponsor the project exclusively, or sponsor a component of the project. Alternatively, for a simple one-off donation, funds are tax deductability via Circles of Learning (CFN17001) for Australian Companies.
For further information about how you can get involved please contact Phil Pittman at philpittman@optusnet.com.au or +51 8997 4534 in Lima.
The project is a collaboration of Australian and Peruvian Not For Profit organisations and individuals with a desire to implement cross-cultural children’s programs between Australia and Peru. The key members are Circles of Learning, Peru’s Challenge, Kids Earth Fund Australia, Association Peruana para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza (APECO) and the Peruvian (and Latin American) communities in Sydney.
Lonely Planet Foundation (Peru Stage) and Council on Australia Latin American Relations (Australian Stage) funded the 2007 project.
Find out more about Austcorp's involvement in Peru's Challenge.
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