Purpose
The purpose of this project is to provide students with a profound engagement in cultural empathy and self-identity through the collaborative creation of meaningful artifacts. By constructing "Suitcases of Hope", students explore the rich narratives of refugees and immigrants, connecting personal and collective histories with textile art and writing. These activities nurture competencies like collaboration, communication, and critical reflection, fostering an environment where students relate more deeply to diverse cultures and critically reflect on their roles within a global community. This experiential learning journey emphasizes student agency, allowing each learner to share their unique family stories and contribute to a shared understanding of diverse migrant experiences.
Learning goals
Students will explore narratives of identity and migration, using their understanding to create artistic expressions that convey personal stories and cultural connections. Through collaborative group work to craft blankets and create 'Suitcases of Hope,' students will strengthen communication and leadership skills while engaging in meaningful peer partnerships. Weekly writing assignments will enhance critical thinking and self-reflection, allowing students to thoughtfully document and share their insights. This project will foster a sense of belonging and academic confidence as students connect their own family histories to broader themes of migration and resilience.
Products
Students will collaboratively design and create personalized "Suitcases of Hope," each filled with written narratives and selected artifacts that express the identities and stories of refugees or immigrants. Additionally, students will work in groups to craft blankets through knitting, crocheting, or assembling fleece pieces; each blanket will feature a tag detailing a personal family journey to San Diego. In alignment with the artistic components, students will prepare and present a final exhibition at the Liberty Station Arts Market, where they will communicate their processes, reflections, and insights gained throughout the project.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive simulation where students step into the shoes of a refugee or immigrant by choosing items for an imaginary suitcase they would carry on their journey. Facilitate a group discussion where students share and reflect on their choices, connecting them to their personal stories, and cultural backgrounds. Host a storytelling circle featuring guest speakers from the Welcome Home Project to share firsthand experiences, fostering empathy and setting the tone for collaborative exploration and understanding throughout the project.
Exhibition
At the culmination of the Suitcases of Hope project, students will host an interactive exhibition at a Liberty Station Arts District (t/b/d). The exhibition will feature the suitcases, each displaying the students' written essays and artifacts representing the identities and stories of refugees and immigrants and "Where I am From Poems". Accompanying each suitcase will be the collaboratively created blankets, tagged with narratives of the students' familial history and journeys to San Diego. Attendees, including community members and partners from the Welcome Home Project, will have the opportunity to engage with the students through reflective presentations and discussions, fostering greater empathy and understanding. Students will present their Suitcases for donation to Welcome Home representatives to give to the people who are newly immigrated to the United States from HTHI.
