 | | Wakanheza sculpture in Albany Elementary school entryway (Ann Schultz, principal) |
What is The Wakanheza Project® (wah-kah-ee'-zha)?
The
Wakanheza Project is based on the Dakota word for child, which
translates to English as "Sacred Being." How different our society
might be if that is how we considered and referred to all children.
Implementing The Wakanheza Project in your daily life and in your school is simple. No materials are required; no budgets must be set. It is
based on the same fundamental principles that all educators know will
enhance student learning and success, as well as teacher, staff, and
parent satisfaction: creating caring, welcoming environments. The Wakanheza Project Blog offers a place to
learn about creating welcoming environments, share your ideas and experiences, and create partnerships with other organizers and organizations. Click here to read the blog today.
Success throughout St. Paul: To read the April 2008 Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune "Meltdown Management" article, highlighting the success of The Wakanheza Project throughout St. Paul, click here.
The Wakanheza Project Overview: The
Wakanheza Project is a statewide partnership of community organizations, education, faith communities, government agencies, libraries, and shelters including: the Minnesota
Children's Museum, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota
Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA), Twin Cities Public Television, and the
Initiative for Peaceful Families and Communities in Ramsey County. The
Wakanheza Project teaches people how to reach out in stressful
situations, to be supportive and lend a hand. The principles of
Wakanheza are based on researched practices that have been tried and
tested -- and work.- Have you ever been in the situation where
you held a school conference and siblings were present, running around
the classroom, and the parent was so angry they couldn't focus on their
student's progress report?
- Have you ever been waiting in
line to pay for groceries and noticed a mother in front of you holding
a crying baby and trying to bag her groceries at the same time?
- Have you ever been unsure how to approach a group of middle school or high school teens ?
How did you feel? Do you believe you handled the situation well? The
Wakanheza Project gives you tools that work for you in any environment
to reduce tension and barriers that lead to harsh or even abusive words
or actions. Wakanheza works anywhere. It has been brought to libraries,
museums, schools, health clinics, faith communities, government
agencies and more.
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