Local Youngsters Travel to South America

A few weeks ago, six children ages 12 and 13 embarked on a journey that would land them in South America. Guatemala was the destination.

Bordered by Mexico to the north and west, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, the country of 14 million people would be their home for a few weeks.

The purpose of the trip was for international peace, and was organized by CISV, an organization dedicated to building understanding between people across borders and continents.

Four of the students walk the halls of Upper Dublin: Zachary Fischer, Fort Washington (seventh grade, Sandy Run Middle School); Carly Plotkin, Oreland (eighth grade, Springside School); Aaron Glatter, Fort Washington (seventh grade, Sandy Run Middle School); and Jordan Tzabari, Willow Grove (eighth grade, Sandy Run Middle School).

“It was fun being away from home for a while,” said Jordan. “I learned about how to understand other peoples' cultures and issues that other cultures had.”

“It was really fun,” added Aaron. “I really enjoyed the experience and different cultures that they have in Guatemala."

More than half of Guatemala's population is below the poverty line. Driving around the country, the disparity was striking, the students said.

“When you drive in, you can tell where the more rich people live,” said Carly. “You can see where the poor people live also. Driving through the city, you can see shacks that have clothing lines outside that you can tell people live in. It made me realize how people live differently from us.”

One activity that the youngsters mentioned that they enjoyed was something called the "Stereotype Game." During this activity, students went around and talked about the different stereotypes they hear about each country. They learned how much stereotypes affect people.

“It brings a bunch of people from not just one or two places, but a lot of places together to learn about each other,” said Aaron. “I thought it was cool when we played [the Stereotype Game.] We talked about different stereotypes we had about each country."

The students also had CISV to thank, and they said they enjoyed the hands-on learning experience and opportunity.

“I think CISV is a really good experience because it teaches you all about different countries,” said Carly. “It teaches you how they are different from where you live and the struggles they have to go [through]—at the same time, it is also fun.”

The Guatemala City chapter of CISV hosted the program. Last winter, the youngsters applied for the opportunity to attend the program and represent Philadelphia and the USA at the Youth Meeting.

Each year, through a global network of more than 60 countries, participants from all over the world are brought together to promote international understanding. 

What makes the organization interesting is that it is all a volunteer experience. It is a charitable, independent, non-political, nonprofit organization.

“It is a volunteer origination,” said Tali Segal, a member of CISV's Philadelphia chapter. "All of us are volunteers. The parents contribute time as volunteers. My kids love the organization, so as a result, I committed as a volunteer. I took part in it as a teenager, where I lived in another country with a family. My kids grew up hearing me talk about CISV.”