Getting To Know You International Contacts Part 3

Since I was unable to establish a professional international contact I visited the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO website.  UNESCO is dedicated to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information http://www.unesco.org . The primary focus of the organization is Africa and gender equality however, there are other over lapping objectives that are focused upon.  

• Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning
• Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development
• Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges
• Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace
• Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication

On the website I found areas that interested me such as an article that is titled, Fighting Racism and Discrimination. This article discuss cities around the world that are dealing with high discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and education.  The areas are addressed, analyzed and policies are developed to help change these problem areas. 

International Jazz Day- I was interested in this area because I love Jazz music and play it a lot in my classroom.  The children seem to enjoy it as well as I does. I never knew there was an International Jazz Day. 

The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music will embrace the opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.

Jazz has been a force for positive social transformation throughout its history, and it remains so today. This is why UNESCO created International Jazz Day. From its roots in slavery, this music has raised a passionate voice against all forms of oppression. It speaks a language of freedom that is meaningful to all cultures.The same goals guide UNESCO in its efforts to build bridges of dialogue and understanding between all cultures and societies. 

Irina Bokova, Director General
Message for International Jazz Day

Why International Jazz Day?

• Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
• Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression;
• Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace;
• Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities;
• Jazz fosters gender equality;
• Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change;
• Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones;
• Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/international-jazz-day/ .

What is special about this website is that it deals with global issues and provides resources that are beneficial to set the beginning of awareness.   From our studies it is evident that the United States and the world has a long way to go to totally establish and implement resources that will eliminate poverty, provide adequate employment and education for all children regardless of adverse situations.