After last June’s first-ever Bullis global studies trip to South Africa was canceled as a casualty of the pandemic, trip leader Sherri Watkins, director of publications and design, reimagined components from the group’s itinerary as virtual experiences that could reach greater numbers of students than the group who would have traveled.
With support from a Parents Association grant, last month all 6th grade students took a virtual trip to South Africa’s Robben Island prison, home to political prisoners during the Apartheid era and beyond, through a two-part virtual exchange experience.
As preparation for a discussion with a former prisoner, students embraced a Robben Island Challenge that included a virtual exploration of the island by former prisoner Vusumsi Mcongo, followed by empathy building exercises to experience what day-to-day life was like for the prisoners.
For part two of the exchange, our students benefited from an enlightening conversation with activist and artist Lionel Davis, who was imprisoned on the island for seven years. Bullis appreciated the opportunity to invite Mr. Davis into our classrooms and he truly brought history to life during a lively discussion facilitated by EDU Africa.
More details about the South Africa Virtual Exchange can be found in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Bullis Magazine. Read article ► Virtual Exchanges Forge Global Connections
