This campaign runs for one term (9 lessons). It is a big introductory “blast” into a school—the same (although age-adjusted) message across all grades. The intention is to flood a school with the message of bridge building. It is a once-off intervention in the life of a school. Lessons draw on a wide range of material and teaching methods, all of which are designed to keep children fully focussed and engrossed. These include video clips, slide shows and worksheets. In addition to the classroom lessons, scholars complete homework assignments – an additional way to inspire engagement with the message and material. The content is designed to stimulate reflection and action.
Through this long-term curriculum, schools can continue with a more brick-by-brick approach to encouraging bridge building. If a school invests in this long-term curriculum, it can set aside one term every year (e.g. using the life orientation class) from grades 4 to 7 and/or 8 to 9 to engage on the topic of bridge building. It comprises 8-9 unique lessons which include video clips, slide shows and worksheets. Themes are deepened year by year. A long-term approach is essential for long-term behaviour and attitudinal change.
The Bridge Builder Project products are purchased by schools and facilitated by the school’s existing teaching staff (often the Life Orientation teacher/s). A heavy emphasis is placed on this person’s ability to facilitate conversations about our differences in a manner that elicits interest and wonder, not animosity or defensiveness.
For this reason, The Bridge Builder Project will spend time with the teacher to train him/her in this approach and to provide support on the journey.
