Outreach Spotlight:
Global Nomads Group
Global Nomads Group
Global Nomads Group unites global youth in experiences that provide the connection, skill building, and support they need to create a better world for us all. Since its founding in 1998, Global Nomads has conducted virtual exchange programs in 68 countries on all seven continents. Through their programs, youth lead the way; initiating dialogue, forging understanding, and dismantling geographical and cultural barriers, allowing them to address community challenges, develop 21st century skills, and explore what it means to be a global citizen.
Since 2015, PhotoWings has partnered with Global Nomads to integrate photography, photo-sharing, and visual storytelling into its programs. Today Global Nomads Group’s programs have successfully connected thousands of global youth, and helped them build empathy, dismantle differences, and overcome biases, all while sharing over 19,000 stories about their personal lived experiences and unique communities.
Resources:
Student to World: Global Hunger 2019-2020 Educator Guide
Student to World: Pandemic 2020 Educator Guide
Student to World: Ocean Health 2019-2020 Educator Guide
Student to World: Art in Action 2019-2020 Educator Guide
Collaborating Classrooms 2019-2020 Educator Guide
“I learned how they see us. [The program] changed their perspectives about us and our perspectives about them. I learned communication, research skills, the ability to express myself and look at things more deeply.”
– Campfire Student in Jordan
“Campfire gave my students a chance to use their photography skills to document their experience in the program, and to send some of those pictures to their international partners. They also recorded videos for their partners that allow would them to have a clearer picture of Morocco and Moroccans. In brief, the Campfire program is a tool that bridges the gap between different cultures and people.”
— Laila Elbaghazaoui, Educator at Charif El Idrissi High School in Morocco
It's hard to summarize what GNG solves, but if I had to choose, I'd focus on its unique ability to connect. GNG creates spaces that bridge diverse individuals, not by sidelining their differences, but by highlighting them for deeper understanding and respect. While it's not an exact science, the imperfection of the process actually enhances the value of these spaces--Missteps are seen as opportunities for growth, turning challenges into chances for deeper understanding and more authentic connections. Moreover, GNG shifts the perspective on "empowering" others by highlighting a crucial insight: empowerment cannot simply be handed to someone. GNG spaces are unique in that young people are recognized as complete individuals, capable of greatness, from the moment they arrive. They are offered mentorship that respects and acknowledges their potential, rather than commands that dictate their path. In these space, empowerment is not handed to you; you discover it within yourself, uncovering what you're capable of when given the opportunity to shine.
— Youth from the USA
The biggest impact on my students was Art in Action #3 which asked them to look at political artwork from around the world. The messages in this artwork inspired them, allowed them to make connections, and led them to learn more about the issues.
— Educator from the USA
“The thing I most enjoy about implementing Campfire with high school students is the opportunity for them to see something beyond the world where they live. Our population doesn’t have that much diversity and I really like for kids to recognize that kids all over the world are different but also very much like them. I really like when kids recognize those similarities and differences in a way that’s new and different.”
— Latishia Sparks, Programs and Partnerships at Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, United States
“Photography is one of the favorite parts [of Campfire] for my students. I still remember the day a student came to me and said, 'Yesterday, I...saw a picture of my partner’s neighbor in the U.S.' He said that he felt he was there, even though he might not have a chance to go there in the future. Photography makes the world a smaller and closer place for everyone. Photography can break down misconceptions and stereotypes about each place in the world.”
— Halima Konniba, Educator at Sidi Ahmed Bennacer High School in Morocco
Campfire gave my students a chance to use their photography skills to document their experience in the program, and to send some of those pictures to their international partners. They also recorded videos for their partners that allow would them to have a clearer picture of Morocco and Moroccans. In brief, the Campfire program is a tool that bridges the gap between different cultures and people.”
— Laila Elbaghazaoui, Educator from Morocco
“Photography is one of the favorite parts [of Campfire] for my students. I still remember the day a student came to me and said, 'Yesterday, I...saw a picture of my partner’s neighbor in the U.S.' He said that he felt he was there, even though he might not have a chance to go there in the future. Photography makes the world a smaller and closer place for everyone. Photography can break down misconceptions and stereotypes about each place in the world.”
— Halima Konniba, Educator from Morocco