Virgin Islands Department of Education Launches “We Are All Stewards of Our Culture and Heritage” Campaign for Virgin Islands History Month

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education has launched the "We Are All Stewards of Our Culture and Heritage" Campaign in celebration of Virgin Islands History Month. This campaign aims to encourage educators to incorporate established cultural education standards, known as the Kallaloo Framework, into their daily lesson plans. Additionally, the department has introduced three engaging challenges designed to involve students in classroom activities.

The Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education provides district-level lesson plans on the VIDE curriculum portal #GoOpenUSVI, which can be accessed through the "Lesson Design Studio." These platforms enable educators to seamlessly integrate cultural standards into their teaching, thereby infusing lessons with the vibrant spirit of our islands. Stephanie Chalana Brown, Director of the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, emphasizes that “This campaign is more than just a slogan; it's an inclusive invitation to parents, teachers, and students. It serves as a gentle reminder that preserving our cultural heritage transcends history class—it applies to every subject and grade level.”

Parents can access the cultural standards through the #GoOpenUSVI microsite and continue the educational journey at home at https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courses/vide-kallaloo-framework.

Thanks to the generous support of VIYA, the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education has launched the following challenges to engage teachers, students, and families across the Territory:

1. Students Digitized Storytelling Challenge: Students are invited to share their family’s unique stories and oral histories for a chance to win mobile devices. Three winners will be selected from each district.

2. Environmental Stewardship Program Challenge: "Cultivating Our Culture, Conserving Our Land" Students are invited to showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation for a chance to win mobile devices. Three classes from each district will be selected.

3. Teacher's V.I. History Door Challenge: Teachers are invited to decorate their classroom doors with VI History Month themes for a chance to win MiFis with one year of service. Three winners will be selected from each district.

Submissions for each challenge are due by Friday, April 12, 2024. Students must submit their entries via email to stephanie.cbrown@vide.vi. The VIDE's Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education celebrates Virgin Islands history and cultural heritage, embracing the values that make our community unique. We are all stewards of our culture and heritage. 

 

Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0303 24 VIDE Launches Launches “We Are All Stewards of Our Culture and Heritage” Campaign for Virgin Islands History Month (177 KB)