23
Feb '24
The friendship across borders! Cultivating Cross-Cultural Connections
23
Feb '24
The Importance of Language Exchange for Children
At Jubilee Centers International, we believe in fostering connections across borders and cultures, and our recent language exchange activity exemplifies this commitment. In this exchange, sixth-grade students from Jubilee and the Grand Rapids Christian School share letters with each other, eagerly awaiting the chance to connect with the family of Christ across the globe.
For these children, sharing their language and way of life is not only an exciting experience but also a valuable opportunity for personal growth. As they eagerly await each exchange, they anticipate the chance to learn more about their counterparts’ lives and cultures. This mutual exchange of letters not only helps them improve their language skills but also fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different ways of life.
In the Bible, Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Through these exchanges, children learn the value of friendship and collaboration, as they support and encourage each other across continents. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the importance of companionship, stating, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
We’ve received heartwarming testimonials from children who participated in these exchanges:
Amy Flores says “I loved it because I enjoy getting to know the United States and learning more about it.” This sentiment reflects the curiosity and excitement children feel when learning about different countries and cultures. By engaging in language exchange activities, they expand their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Eleazar Degrandez “I enjoyed it because we can share languages, and I can learn English better.”
Language exchange activities provide a unique opportunity for children to practice and improve their language skills in a fun and interactive way. By communicating with peers from different backgrounds, they gain confidence and fluency in a second language.
Josadac Hernandez says “I enjoyed it because I can share Bible verses with them.”
Building friendships based on shared faith is a beautiful aspect of these language exchanges. By sharing Bible verses and spiritual insights, children strengthen their bond as brothers and sisters in Christ, even across geographical distances.
These testimonials highlight the profound impact of language exchange activities on children’s lives. Through these exchanges, children not only learn about new languages and cultures, but also develop lifelong friendships and deepen their faith.
To learn more about Jubilee and hear from the children themselves, we invite you to watch the interviews on our Facebook video. Additionally, please visit our website to stay updated on future activity and ways be involve. Together, let’s continue fostering understanding, friendship, and love across borders.
