Changemaking fundamentally changes me.  The reason believes in , as one of the most important journeys of a child, is because when we open up our hands to give, to learn, and to make a difference, our hearts shift.  As we reach out, what is unsettled inside of us forms into something more substantive and solid.  We become more certain of the beauty in and around us.

Traveling and serving overseas always changes me.  Things shift.  I move into a liminal space and I awaken in my vulnerability.  The new experiences stimulate me, our commonalities reassure me, and the mysteries inspire me.

In November I had the great opportunity to serve the BC Offshore Schools in China on behalf of the Ministry of Education.  The Chairman of our committee was Dr. Laurie Anderson, Executive Director of SFU, Vancouver Campus and former Superintendent of the Vancouver School Board.

During the 12-day trip we visited four British Columbia Offshore Schools in the cities of Shanghai and Yiwu.  I visited almost every classroom in three high schools and one elementary school.  It was a phenomenal learning experience for me!

While I am still processing my trip, I am taking away a number of insights.

1. Canada has gifts to offer.

   “Liberty Moves North!” declares The Economist magazine and our hearts know we have gifts to offer.  Our new curriculum and our educational philosophy provide positive and personalized learning experiences for both the students in British Columbia and those around the world.  Graduating with a Dogwood Diploma is a privilege many children in the world can only dream of and our children are fortunate.  I am grateful for the brilliant educators who created our transformative education program outlined in the “Building Student Success” curriculum.

2. We can learn from each other. 

   Each time I travel, I realize the benefits of coming to the Table of Learning with a heart of curiosity!  The soft and open heart of a learner is not just for children; we are all learners.  It is a vulnerable and rich place.  Modelling the process helps children value their own learning.  I don’t have it all together, but I can learn!  As I travelled, G learned Chinese greetings from neighbours and we practiced our new Mandarin words via Skype.

3. Children are the same everywhere.  

   Children everywhere love bubble-makers, playing outside, and friendship with others. Students everywhere need safe environments to take risks, appreciate a respectful relationship, and are curious about many things.  Students everywhere are creative, gifted, and capable.  Our conceptions of the child are critical in how we design our homes and classrooms for thriving.  If we believe they “can,” we design for competence and capacity.  We design to support independence and champion potential.

4. Our schools benefit from the connection of cultures.

   When we connect with the histories of a place, appreciate student artwork from far off lands, and make new and beautiful friends, we are all enriched.  Our schools grow in capacity to experience and value diversity.  We become changemakers who dignify the beauty in others.

5. We’re all in this together.

   Around the world, we are all trying to improve, provide benefits for our children, and learn new ways of approaching our changing environment.  We are all asking questions about how to confidently prepare children for the future we cannot see.  It is a season filled with opportunity and growth.  Teachers in China are just the same as teachers in Canada; parents too!  We all are working to design for thriving.  My prayer is for us to link arms and courageously Learn Forward together.

I am grateful for our Learn Forward community’s value on changemaking!

For the sake of the children,

Karine