Students in paired classrooms explore global citizenship by asking: “How do we, as youth, engage our communities to create positive social change?”

Sham, an 8th grade Campfire participant in Jordan, has been one of the most active students in her group in class and online. She helps her teacher and classmates with scheduling online posts and interaction with their partners in Kentucky. Inspired by her experience in Campfire, Sham submitted an essay to a regional writing competition in northern Jordan. She earned fourth place for an essay about how Muslim identity can be misperceived.

Sham and her peers see connections and similarities between what they discuss in the virtual exchange and issues of rights, religion, and identity in their society and abroad.

In Kentucky, students are also exploring these global and local issues. They are finding things in common with their Jordanian peers: pop culture, taste in music, and shared aspiration for a better life.

“I was surprised to find that I share similar hobbies with those in a country as far away as Jordan,” said Heather, a participant from Kentucky. “I noticed many of the girls said they enjoy shopping, spending time with friends, and watching movies, which I enjoy too. I thought this was really neat, because you don’t really think of the United States and Jordan having so much in common!”