My Neighbors Children: Reflections on Possible Curriculum Design for Mutual Care

Abstract

This work is a critical evaluation of learning potential for regional and global integration and co-existence processes. Considered are cultural and psychological elements and obstacles. The paper's starting points are three current cognitive researches that may aid thinking for Mutual Care curriculum design. Also as antecedents and anchoring the discourse are five community engagement projects with discreet or stated learning intentions aimed at integration, enrichment and mutual care. These projects lead to forming of or were carried out by Artship Foundation over last 40 years. The paper’s main interest is to evaluate conditions and articulate metaquestions that may point to a curriculum design that is not only intended for Balkan Counties but also as Pan-European and Global Learning project. The paper reflects on occurrences that help recognize inter-connectedness and mutual responsibility beyond specific geographies or peoples. With universality of issues understood, the study dedicates itself to Balkan and South East European conditions and needs. The paper concludes with seven topics summarizing the issues of possible Mutual Care curriculum. Three cognitive researches 1. Empathy A. N. Meltzoff, J. Decety from the Center for Mind, Brain & Learning, University of Washington, articulate this innate human characteristic: "Our ability to imitate others’ actions holds the key to our understanding what it is for others to be like us and for us to be like them". 2. Cognition though Cultural expressions The University of Oregon paperexplores the evidence that arts training influences cognition. The authors state that the intricate brain network aiding attention and perseverance practices are directly related to motivation to express oneself. The tangible, visceral qualities of expression may shed light on issues too complex for verbal theory only. 3. Conditioning Dr. M. Y. Brave Heart’s influential study, Wakiksuuyapi (Memorial People):Heart Carrying the Historical Trauma of the Lakota published by Tulane Studies In Social Welfare influenced Stanford University's Research Group on Collective Trauma and Healing. These interdisciplinary projects are studying the multigenerational legacies of trauma. The Stanford Group brings together scholars from the humanities and sciences, to provide crucial insights into the effects of trauma on bodies, minds, and communities in order to propose new possibilities for healing. Topics and community engagement projects as Antecedents 1. Curriculum for extra curricula, life long learning Project - The reclaiming of public space at Arroyo Viejo Park in Oakland 2. Youth and Crisis of Perseverance Project - Redefining a historic 1940 passenger-cargo/military ship for public peacetime use and a cultural space, 1999 – 2004. 3. Heritage, conditioning and Oral Histories Project - Tarantella Pizzica as community healing process - Fifteen years comparative cultures research inspiring contemporary play 4. Managing Tangible and Intangible Surplus Project - Community Poles Project 1986-1991 5. Mutual grieving and understanding ancestors Project - Imaginary Film Workshops- 1997 and 1998 6. Structured learning and nature of continuity Projects - Educational village 1975 - 1980 and Children and architecture 1989 -1995 In closing the reality, legislative difficulty, conditioning and resistance to change are acknowledged but also similar needs, potential of sharing or bartering material surplus, wisdom, stories and songs may pave a way for a curriculum of Mutual Care.