From Hampshire to Panamá City
Mariposa Languages had the opportunity to connect with Enseña por Panamá and create a unique opportunity for children who were able to practise Spanish with children from a school based in Panamá City. This international activity has been an amazing opportunity to discover and learn about this incredible Spanish-speaking country with real teachers and children!
The Year 4 pupils, from Berewood Primary School were amazed about Panamá. They discovered how important the Panamá Canal is among other facts about the country.
The primary school children learned about Panamá City and its historical Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo or the “old quarter”. Considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. This district dates back to 1673 and features vibrant plazas and picturesque brick-paved streets surrounded by colourful buildings.
Thanks to the support of our collaborator in Panamá, Francia Ortiz, an English Teacher based at Simon Bolivar School in Panamá City, we were able to speak about the rich diversity of Panamá. We show our UK-based classrooms pictures from traditional celebrations, clothing and the importance of the African- descendants and indigenous communities.
Our local learners discovered how beautiful Las Molas are, a hand-made textile that forms part of the traditional women’s clothing of the indigenous Guna people from Panamá. They loved seeing how diverse and colourful this country is with all its fauna and flora too.
Once the theory ended… We started with the main task: write letters in Spanish to the Panamá children! This was a great experience. Full of challenges and joy. There was so much hope, passion and real commitment from these children who were fully engaged with the idea of writing a letter to someone else in a different country IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE. Wohooo!
Isn’t this a great opportunity for all children?
If we prioritise global curiosity from an early stage in life this will consequently help children to see others as equals, dignified people and embrace respect. This type of activity gives children the tools to support their relationships in the future and, of course, the way they will see the world around them.