Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Sora Friedman

Abstract

The CWB School Partnership Program (CWB SPP) demonstrates how Clowns Without Borders (CWB) can be utilized in the classroom to educate youth about global crisis situations. The curriculum was developed with consideration of the needs of schools in the United States that are furthering their educational investment and practices around fundraising for international crisis situations. The discussion examines CWB, its history and the use of humor in psychosocial programs as integral elements in designing an appropriate and effective curriculum for a school partnership.

Founded in 1993, CWB is an international federation of nine organizations. Volunteer artists trained in physical comedy, theatre and clown bring laughter, smiles and play to areas of crisis around the world. CWB USA currently has projects in areas including Burma, Chiapas, Mexico, Colombia, Egypt, Guatemala, Haiti, India and Sudan. In addition to providing laughter and smiles to children living in crisis areas, CWB seeks to raise awareness about the gravity of the situations on which the organization focuses.

Through participation in the CWB SPP youth will engage in learning about the aftermath of a crisis situation, with particular focus on making authentic connections with the youth in the communities affected by crisis. Through using volunteer artists, who teach through clown and physical theatre, the CWB SPP will address challenging issues at a developmentally appropriate level. Ultimately, the CWB SPP will foster understanding between youth across borders.

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | International and Comparative Education

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