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October 10, 2000 Amid Tensions in Middle East, Global Nomads Group Unites Students for a Series of Cultural Exchanges Amman, Jordan (October 10) -- Global Nomads Group today conducted the first of a series of live videoconferences between students in Jordan and in the United States. For an hour-and-a-half, a class from Amman Baccalaureate School talked freely with students from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The conversation began with youths on both sides briefly introducing themselves and their school. The classes then presented cultural objects to their peers based thousands of miles away. Among the objects presented on the Jordanian side was an instrument called the Aood, whose owner, 15 year old Mohammed, played for a few minutes, stirring a round of applause from all participants. Quickly after ensued a succession of questions and answers from both sides. This free forum eventually led to the discussion of current outbreaks of violence in the Middle East. Pine Crest student president, Josh, said "It's in our press every day…it's in our newspapers…. we see what goes on, yet we know there is a lot (more)…we would really like to know what the true situation is… I am sure you guys have a better perspective than we do…". A 15 year old student from Amman passionately responded: "about the troubles in occupied Palestine… as Jordanians, as Muslims, as Christians, we fully support the Palestinians. I may have a biased point of view, maybe we are wrong. Maybe I am talking out of anger, but the Palestinians have been repressed". Despite the extreme sensitivity of the issue and the passion that arose from discussing it, both classes remained extremely diplomatic, and had no difficulty going on to new subject. Speaking about the cultural exchanges, Global Nomads Group co-founder Mark von Sponeck said: "If only politicians would take a moment to hear these students, they might gain a fresh perspective on the events taking place in the Middle East". The classes will meet again on 17 October to discuss Globalisation and the Environment, topics that they collectively decided upon at the end of today's videoconference. Global Nomads Group will also be conducting similar live broadcasts between Jordan and the US throughout the month of October. About the Global Nomads Group Founded in 1998 by Mark von Sponeck, Jonathan Giesen and Christopher Plutte, Global Nomads Group is devoted to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding via technology. It uses high-tech remote satellite broadcasting equipment to link school children throughout the world for live discussions. Since its inception, GNG has established partnerships and collaborations with many educational and governmental organizations to provide children with an enriching and lasting educational experience through the live discovery of the world. |
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