Jordan: Cultural Crossroads

Jordan is an excellent gateway to exploring the Middle East, a topic that is extremely relevant. While American schools may skim the surface of Middle Eastern cultures, politics, and religions, this program will become a springboard for open dialogue.

A bridge between modern and ancient, this project will focus on 4 major themes: religion, the environment, culture, and history/archaeology. Production begins in September 2008. Collaboration with numerous organizations and individuals who have an extensive knowledge of the country and its culture, will allow us to create a unique and well-rounded curriculum. With the guidance of local experts, this program will introduce learners to topics as diverse as Ramadan and gender roles; Bedouin culture and the hijab; Mansaf and keywords and phrases in Arabic.

This project is made possible by The Grand Hyatt Amman and a grant from HSBC in the Community.

South Africa, Part I

ProjectExplorer’s 2007 program focuses on issues of global importance by introducing students to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the legacy of Apartheid, the AIDS epidemic, increased environmental awareness, and initiatives to end extreme poverty. Additionally, this project introduces students to South Africa’s rich culture by incorporating film segments on theatre, dance, design, clothing, language, music, and other unique South African traditions.

Team ProjectExplorer was on location in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu Natal from April 9 - May 13, 2007. The program debuted on October 5th and features: Robben Island, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Ambassador Dave A. Steward, writer and journalist Max du Preez, Dr. John Kani, the Apartheid Museum, the District Six Museum, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Moving Into Dance Mophatong, the Drum Cafe, and language lessons in isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans among many other locations, organizations, and individuals.

South Africa, Part II

On February 26th, 2008, team ProjectExplorer returned to produce Part II of the South Africa series featuring several prominent artists, musicians, and leaders from the country including interviews with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Greg Marinovich.

Programming will be available from May 2008.

Student to Student Program

In conjunction with our 2008 work in South Africa, team ProjectExplorer kicked-off our new Student to Student program. Part of an on-going relationship with Mpontsheng Secondary School in Katlehong, South Africa, this initiative will provide a group of students the opportunity to learn the news-making process. Those participating in the Student to Student program will learn all aspects of the new-making process from the ProjectExplorer crew to produce 3 to 5 film short news segments by drawing upon personal experience and those of people in their communities.

By incorporating these student-created segments into ProjectExplorer’s educational programs and already successful model, the stories will approach traditional academic subjects and topical issues from a unique, engaging, and approachable perspective.

The Student to Student Program, South Africa is sponsored by Dean's Beans Organic Coffee.

Shakespeare's England

Celebrating history's most famous writer, students can explore Shakespeare’s life and work, and the country and culture in which he thrived: England from 1564-1616. Topics of study include changes taking place in religion, commerce, art, trade, exploration, and the Plague. The unit focuses on understanding and exploring how the Bard’s work and the work of his contemporaries was affected by these changes.

Shakespeare’s England debuted on September 18, 2006 and features: Simon Hughes (Member of Parliament for Southwark), the Old Vic, The Tower of London, The Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Archives, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the Museum of London, Classic Stage Company, Theatre for a New Audience, the London Underground, British Airways London Eye, and many more cultural and educational organizations.

In Development

Singapore: One Land, Many Cultures

Singapore embodies both the ancient traditions and history of Asia, along with the advanced technology that predominates in Asia today. During this two week expedition, the team will explore how Singapore is affected by the cultures that surround it, and show how a small island nation is one of the most diverse and interesting places on the planet. In addition to the traditions and religions of China, India, and Malaysia, Singapore is also influenced by the UK and other Western European cultures; ProjectExplorer will show how each of these came to play a part in the complex balance of Singapore life.

Central America: Ecosystems

Students will join the ProjectExplorer team in Nevis and Costa Rica as we learn to identify various species and plant life. ProjectExplorer will study how the peoples of the region balance their lives with the delicate environment, and how this balance affects their cultures, communities and traditions. The expedition’s primary focus will be on the natural sciences and understanding the importance of ecological conservation and eco-friendly travel.

Southeast Asia: Storytelling

Providing an introduction to the region’s histories, traditions, religions, cultures and communities, ProjectExplorer's journey to Southeast Asia is designed to continue the exploration of performance as a universal language. This project plans to focus on Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Greece & Italy: Birth and Rebirthh

The team will examine how the cultural, artistic, political and intellectual achievements of Ancient Greece inspired the Italian Renaissance hundreds of years later. This project serves as a springboard for two future in-depth expeditions on each time period. Birth and Rebirth will challenge students to connect past and present, not only between the two time periods but also the modern era and the world that surrounds us.

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