Explore how music and storytelling can be used to promote literacy, global awareness, understanding, and empathy. Learn how to engage in collaborative, songwriting and storytelling projects that enable students and teachers to share their hopes, beliefs, and concerns with their peers around the world. 

During the session, John Farrell, Director of Bridges of Peace and Hope, will present the "High Hopes and Common Threads" project. In June 2014, Farrell and a team of volunteers climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. They carried a banner to the summit that included photographs and writing from more than 1700 students from over 50 countries. The photos and writing expressed students hopes and beliefs. This ongoing project includes the creation of collaborative artwork, original songs and music videos that examine universal themes and shared interests. Songs and activities presented in this session can be used in the classroom immediately. Topics include respect, understanding, tolerance, cooperation, peer pressure, humor, empathy, and more.