Connecting Overseas

The Partnership between the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis and the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya has been very successful. It truly feels as if the two communities are linked in a way that respects and values cultural differences as we all worship as Catholics. Contact between the two communities has been primarily focused on exchanging delegations every other year. This year we brought the Partnership ideals to children as we provided an opportunity for real-time communications between a class in Kitui and a class in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Through the use of SKYPE, nine 6th graders from St. Michael’s in Kitui were able to see and speak with a similar grade at St. Mark’s in St. Paul. They shared names, family and pet information, school subjects, and sports interests. Although Kitui children have a comfort with English, language was a bit tough. Yet a connection was made and the cultural barriers began to be transcended. Two children asked to be pen pals.

Technology was used to provide a a platform for communications between children in different countries. It is a first step. We hope that kids in Kiuti and St. Paul realize that their counterparts are real people. Respect and a sense of common interests can begin to be fostered. With the success of the initial contact, the Partnership group in both countries is considering a long-term implementation to continue engagement among children.