NADENE ROBINSON, a Jamaican international exchange teacher in the United States, was honoured last Friday for excellence in educating American students about Jamaica's culture and heritage.
Ms. Robinson was honoured by the Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF), the United States' largest cultural exchange programme for teachers and schools.
"Being a VIF cultural ambassador for Jamaica has made me appreciate cultural diversity more, and I feel proud to be Jamaican," Ms. Robinson said. "It is tremendously rewarding to share my culture with others. The best thing about my VIF experience is being able to share my world and learn from others."
Ms. Robinson is one of 125 Jamaican VIF teachers in the United States. She was chosen for the honour from among 1,800 cultural exchange teachers.
"Through her efforts as an international cultural ambassador, Ms. Robinson has opened her students' eyes to the world beyond their front doors," said Ned Glascock, a VIF spokesman. "She personifies VIF's mission of transforming lives through cultural exchange."
The Shortwood Teachers' College graduate, teaches biology at Baptist Hill High School in Hollywood, South Carolina. She is very creative in integrating her culture into daily classes.
NATIVE FOODS AND CULTURE
Each Friday, she reads Jamaican stories and teaches traditional songs to her students. Students, parents and staff all benefit from Robinson's willingness to share native foods and culture.
As chair of the Science Department, she is also helping to prepare for the school's accreditation review. She still finds time to help students in the Homework Centre Program and to share her culture in the greater Charleston community through her church and hospital volunteer work.
