News & Media
Global issues have local impact
Fairmont Sentinel, by Jodelle Greiner
January 9, 2012
Global Issues are local too
Fairmont Sentinel, Letter to the editor
January 6, 2012
A Thought-Provoking Evening to Explore Global Issues
Minnesota International Center brings top-notch experts on Mexico's foreign relations and U.S. security agenda in the Horn of Africa to Fairmont for an evening discussion on Sunday, January 8
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Fairmont (January 2, 2012) - Every day we hear stories about events that occur around the world. From the Eurozone financial crisis, to political turmoil in Egypt, to transition of power in North Korea and U.S. security concerns in the Middle East, global issues are today’s local ones as well.
As conversations around our offices and dining room tables often turn to the critical international issues, how can we make sense of them all?
On Sunday, January 8, Minnesota International Center (MIC) will once again offer the opportunity for Fairmont residents to explore two timely global issues by bringing top-level world affairs experts for an evening of discussion. The event, to be held at Red Rock Center for the Arts between 5:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, will feature two prominent speakers:
Raúl Ramos, Latin America Sales Leader for General Electric Water Technologies, who will discuss the future of Mexico’s relations with its neighbors. Mexico’s border with Central America, as well as the border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges? What is the future of Mexico’s relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico’s foreign relations affect its domestic politics?
William Davnie, former Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of State, who will address U.S. national security agenda in the Horn of Africa and its impact on the American way of life. U.S. national security priorities were expanded after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to include waging war in Iraq and Afghanistan, tightening border security, pursuing cyberthreats, halting nuclear proliferation and attempting to snuff out homegrown terrorism. How has the U.S. national security agenda evolved since 9/11? In what ways will this agenda shape the American way of life in the future?
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These and many other questions will be addressed during the discussions. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to ask questions and engage with the speakers.
The discussions will be followed by a special performance of Latin Drum and Song Ensemble, featuring typical music and songs from Brazil, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and West Africa. The members of Latin Drum and Song Ensemble include Gery Jerez (The Dominican Republic), a dance and singing teacher; Teara Rosario (Mexico-Puerto Rico), a professional dancer and singer; Eliezer Fritas-Santon (Brazil), a professional drummer; and Daniel Handeen (Italian-American), a professional drummer.
“The Sunday program serves as a kick-off for our mutual tradition of bringing MIC’s international speakers to Fairmont to explore world cultures and discuss global issues with students at Fairmont Elementary and Fairmont Junior/Senior High schools,” said George Jerzy Hornik, K-12 Education Manager for the Minnesota International Center.
“We are especially thrilled about this year’s events because of a more robust evening program on Sunday that will engage Fairmont residents in the discussions with Raul and William to gain better understanding and deeper knowledge of the issues connected with Mexico’s foreign relations and U.S. security agenda in the Horn of Africa.”
For the past 11 years, MIC’s international guests have met with Fairmont students giving them the opportunity to explore first-hand other cultures and provide MIC’s international guests with a chance to learn about Fairmont students’ daily lives.
Students will meet face-to-face with 39 international guests from 23 countries including Belarus, Spain, Nicaragua, Argentina, Uganda, Peru, India, Pakistan, Jamaica, Nigeria, Colombia, South Korea, Germany, Senegal, Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, China, Japan, Chile, France, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. These guests include international undergraduate and graduate students from various colleges and universities in the Twin Cities metro and beyond, including the University of Minnesota, Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowship Programs at the University of Minnesota Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs and Law School, exchange Amity scholars, and other universities and colleges such as the Minneapolis Community Technical College, Winona State University and Hamline University.
International speakers will rotate throughout classrooms in the schools, showing their traditional dress, artifacts, and cultural showcases. The international speakers will be hosted for overnight stays at the homes of Fairmont families, will meet Mayor, and will visit the Pioneer Museum.
“We live in a world where foreign policy looms large and public awareness of global issues has never counted for more. Our belief is that if the world can be personalized to young people, they will become more aware and informed about world cultures,” added Hornik. “This year’s events will continue the students’ journey to awaken their curiosity and increase their cultural competency so they can successfully participate in our multicultural community of tomorrow.”
The event is supported in part by 3M Foundation and Rosen’s Diversified.
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For media enquiries, please email lsalway@umn.edu
Discover World Cultures Day at Evergreen Park World Studies Community School that took place on November 11, 2011. Photos in this visual presentation cannot be used for any purpose without explicit permission from the Minnesota International Center. Enjoy!
Sun Newspapers
November 16, 2011
Games, rides help int'l students beat winter break blues
[...] "My favorite moment this break was traveling to Fairmont with the ICC and sharing a bit of my country with kids there," Ana Cristina Herrera, an engineering student from Panama, said. "I got the opportunity to go into classrooms and talk to kids from first to ninth grade who had questions like: 'Do you have lions in Panama?' or 'Do you use cell phones in Panama?' I wasn't expecting those types of questions, but … it was a great opportunity to speak about my country."
The program is in its 13th year of providing year-round opportunities for Minnesota K-12 students to get a taste of cultures from the world by interacting with international students.
According to George Jerzy Hornik, the ICC program director, the Fairmont community was so excited about the event that it was one of the few school districts in the state to remain open during a snowstorm so it could welcome the speakers.
International students from more than 20 countries took the trip to Fairmont from Jan. 9-11, staying with host families and visiting schools.
"For the international students that stayed for break during a time that is supposed to be spent with family, they were able to create a sense of family around themselves and do something, not only to enrich themselves, but also this community," he said. [...]
MN Daily
January 18, 2011
Fairmont Students Prepare for Life in the Global Community
January 9 - 11, 2011
Why wouldn't we?
Retiring principal of Kaposia Education Center describes his experience with World Cultures Day
MIC Communique Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Rutherford Elementary to celebrate 'World Cultures Day'
International Day of Peace at Evergreen Elementary in Brooklyn Center is celebrated with a World Cultures Day
Stillwater Gazette
April 26, 2010
Congrats, students
On behalf of the international speakers who came to Fairmont earlier this week under the auspices of the Minnesota International Center, I would like to thank the citizens of Fairmont for their warm and generous hospitality...
Sentinel Fairmont
January, 2010
Come, experience Hawaii
The weather outside may be frightful ...
... but on Sunday evening at Red Rock Center for the Arts there is going to be something delightful. Fairmont residents will be able to visit Hawaii without leaving the city, thanks to the Minnesota International Center...
Sentinel Fairmont
January, 2010
Fairmont opens doors to world
Fairmont plays host to students from around the world once again this weekend, promising an entertaining and educational opportunity for all involved...
Sentinel Fairmont
January, 2010
Area Teachers Learn About Different World Cultures
Several area teachers had their roles reversed today, becoming the student... in order to learn about the different world cultures.
Fox 9
November, 2009
In the Classroom
International Day of Peace at Evergreen Elementary in Brooklyn Center is celebrated with a World Cultures Day
MIC Communique Newsletter
October, 2009
Excelsior Elementary World Cultures Day
Video
Chanhassen Villager
January, 2009
Evergreen Park World Elementary students get firsthand introduction to other countries
October 2, 2008 - Sun Post, Brooklyn Park
Students at Evergreen Park World Studies Elementary School recently got a firsthand introduction to other countries right in their own school. Read more
North East Students Celebrate a World Cultures Day
Tour of the World at North East Middle School
May 30, 2008
A World Adventure for Rush Creek Students
A World Cultures Day for Rush Creek Elementary in Maple Grove
April 18, 2008
Traveling Around the World in One Day
A World Cultures Day for Edgewood Elementary in Brooklyn Park
April 14, 2008
Visits mean the world to students
January 8, 2008, Fairmont Sentinel, Bill Cahalan
Hundreds of Fairmont children met people from across the world on Monday without having to leave town. Read more
Fairmont students host international guests to learn about the world
Fairmont, Greater Minnesota
January 7, 2008
Rising Global Citizens On a Quest from India to Brazil
Creek Valley Elementary World Cultures Day
October 24, 2007
Celebrating Global Diversity at Creek Valley
November 1, 2007, Sun Current
