Norwalk Resident Awarded For Bridging Global Culture

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teacher Rachael Barrows was recently awarded the 2012 Weller Excellence in Teaching Award for her efforts in championing collaborative learning and global connectivity between her second grade class and an orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia through a Fairfield County charitable initiative called Project LUYANDO.

Given in recognition of creative innovation in teaching, the Weller Award is awarded to select candidates in a six-town area (Easton, Redding, Monroe, Shelton, Trumbull, Newtown). Barrows, who lives in Norwalk, was selected among all applicants for her class project entitled “The Art of Writing,” which bridged her second grade class with African students through art and writing.

Inspired by artwork created by Zambian orphans through Project LUYANDO—an art-based initiative dedicated to providing orphanage support—Barrows’ students each captured the essence of an individual African student’s painting through the art of creative writing. The 18 narratives were compiled and will be shared digitally with the orphan artists at Kasisi Children’s Home of Zambia.

“The quality of writing elicited through this project was stellar,” Barrows said. “And, the ability for my students to share their work with fellow student artists across the world was inspiring and incredible.”

“I can feel the brown, soft, bald, skin against my palm,” wrote Barrows’ second grade student, Margot Pitchenik, inspired by a painting called “Portrait of a Boy” by young Zambian artist, Jeremiah Ludaka, 15. “The light blue shirt felt soft and clean. I took a deep breath and smelled fresh, clean soft skin. I saw tired eyes which made me tired.”

Barrows said this special project taught her students to articulate and communicate with colorful details in their writing using their five senses.

“It supported creative, descriptive writing and enhanced my students’ awareness of global similarities and differences,” she said.

An active member of Project LUYANDO, Barrows said it was a natural connection to invite her students to learn about Zambian culture and the children of Kasisi by studying their artwork.

Barrows’ project ultimately inspired the creation of “Connect LUYANDO,” a special branch of the Project LUYANDO organization geared toward elementary schools, through which children of respective ages can connect via artwork and creative writing to enhance their awareness and recognition of global similarities and differences.

“The integration of art is important for learners," Barrows said. “All students have different modes and styles of learning. Art is a powerful teaching tool for helping students to internalize concepts and skills.”