AMERICAS

by Lynne Azarchi, Executive Director

Geographically and demographically, New Jersey is a microcosm of diversity. New Jersey’s population of 8 million people includes more than 100 ethnic and cultural groups such as Italian, Irish, and African-American. Sadly, the very diversity which enriches our society is the source of conflict and ill-will for many citizens. The fabric of our local and national society has been threatened by acts of intolerance and prejudice.

Today, more than ever before, we believe it is of utmost importance for children, teachers, and families to engage in educational experiences that lead to increased awareness of our place in the world and in the human family. The foundation for Kidsbridge programs is sound educational practice, through interdisciplinary activities which support the Core Curriculum Content Standards instituted in 1996 by The New Jersey Department of Education. Underscoring academic areas and cross-content standards is the Kidsbridge commitment to multicultural education.

The Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum, situated on The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) campus, features the exhibit “Face to Face: Dealing with Prejudice and Discrimination,” focusing on diversity appreciation and character education.

Our Goals are:
1. To help children to be responsible, cooperative, and informed citizens
2. To foster peacemaking and peacemaker skills
3. To create programs and exhibits with measurable learning outcomes
4. To increase diversity appreciation and sensitivity
5. To encourage and herald community service by youth
6. To be an educational resource for parents, guardians, teachers, other educators and the community
7. To foster children’s creative thinking, problem-solving skills, socially responsible behavior, self-confidence and self-esteem
8. To provide opportunities for children and families from diverse backgrounds to learn together in a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment

Select TCNJ students and their professors interact with approximately 2,000 elementary and middle students, day campers, Scouts, and leadership groups each year. The college students act as docents for the museum and provide tours of the campus. Psychology students, for course credit, create pre- and post-surveys to assess learning and attitude shifts from visits to the museum.

Other activities in 2008 include:
● “The 8th Annual Young Humanitarian Awards,” an activity which has been warmly received by the educators and administrators of Mercer County public and parochial schools. Individuals and student groups who committed acts of kindness, bravery, or extraordinary community service are nominated by school administrators and teachers.
● “Summer Leadership Camps,” summer programs for children ages 6 through 18 who reside in urban neighborhoods.
● “Refugee Awareness and Sensitivity Workshop,” a project to develop and present curriculum to educate elementary school students about circumstances that create refugee situations and encourage empathy for the challenging situations that refugee children face in transitioning to a new culture.


Address: P.O. Box 4561 Chambersburg Station Trenton, NJ 08611 U.S.
Tel: +1-609-581-0239
Homepage: http://www.kidsbridgemuseum.org/
Opening hours: Open to groups only, by appointment
Admission: Fees on a sliding scale, according to the group's ability to pay

(Originally published on June 16, 2008)