Manon Heijkamp, an au pair from the Netherlands, shared her culture on November 10, 2016 with two 2nd grade classes at Gretchko Elementary School in West Bloomfield.
Manon volunteered as part of Au Pair in America’s Global Awareness Program, which is designed to foster a greater knowledge of diversity and bring multi-cultural understanding into the schools.
The students learned many things about the Netherlands – the small size of the country (the whole country could fit inside the state of Michigan); special Dutch foods; popular sports; about some special Dutch holidays and other interesting facts. The kids were surprised to learn many people ride their bikes to work and they have special large garages where they have to arrive early to be assured of a spot to park their bike.
Especially fun for the children was to learn how to speak Dutch. Manon taught the 2nd graders how to say hi and bye, how to introduce themselves (I am…..) and how to say “how are you” and a few other simple words.
Each child received a Global Awareness passport booklet to take home and a Netherlands flag sticker to start their passport book with The Netherlands.
Au Pair in America feels strongly about cultural diversity and sharing. Their Global Awareness program offers something special to all of the participants. For the children, it is an exciting experience to meet someone who comes from another country and learn many interesting facts. For the au pairs, the Global Awareness program is an opportunity to volunteer in the community, share their culture (which makes them very proud) and learn more about American education.
Manon provides child care for 7 year old twins who were thrilled and proud to have their au pair come to each of their classrooms. Manon enjoyed sharing her Dutch culture with their classmates and their two teachers. Her enthusiasm and super friendly personality appealed to the kids making the whole experience even more special.