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Religious Diversity Journeys
From Curiosity to Compassion: How Seventh Graders Grow Through Interfaith Education
September 17, 2024
Each school year, seventh graders from around the Metropolitan Detroit area enter the Religious Diversity Journeys program with curiosity and excitement. Journeys are structured to be an extension and enhancement of their State of Michigan World Religions curriculum. Students are aware that the program will take them to different houses of worship as well as to an experience at a local cultural institution, but most do not know exactly what to expect. For many, this is their first time encountering religions outside their own. As the year unfolds however, their curiosity blossoms into a deep sense of compassion and understanding.
Program Beginnings: During the first couple of months, students eagerly prepare for their first visits to a synagogue, mosque, church, Sikh gurdwara, and Hindu temple. Many have questions about what they will see and experience. Educators can choose to use online program material to prepare students, often having open discussions and forming questions ahead of their visits.
During each visit, students are warmly welcomed by faith leaders and volunteers who graciously give their time and energy to share stories about their faith and culture. Students are engaged throughout the school day through interactive and immersive activities meant to bring the faith and culture to life. Program leaders and hosts also encourage questions and curiosity. The RDJ rule is: There is no such thing as a silly (but respectful) question. No matter how unsure they were upon arrival, students are always inquisitive, and are eager to have all their questions answered. “I had never heard of this religion prior [to this experience], but then I got to learn about it and it was really fun.” Lily
Mid-Year: As the school year progresses and the students move from one house of worship to another, they begin to notice the similarities between the different faiths. Common values of kindness, community, service and gratitude are apparent on every visit. Students have an opportunity to experience and explore connections with people in their local and surrounding communities as well students from a variety of other metro area schools.
“I really like RDJ because it teaches a lot about different cultures,” said Maddy, “I didn’t know a lot about other cultures. It helps make it so that our generation won’t have as much aggression [toward others] because we know about other religions.”
Participating educators also find tremendous value in bringing their students on Journeys, often discovering that their students become excited about the lessons they are learning. “The speakers were fantastic,” reflected Nancy, a participating teacher. “What I really liked was that they didn’t appear to just be excellent speakers themselves but also very kid-friendly as well. I think they spoke to the kids at their level.”
End of Year: As the school year draws to a close, students are given an opportunity to reflect on their experience during their final Journey to a local cultural institution. Often what started as curiosity will have evolved into an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of beliefs that exist within their local communities. “This experience is so eye-opening. Learning about people and not just judging them first is one of the biggest things that you take away,” reflected Kirsten.
One of the most impactful lessons for her came during a visit to a Hindu temple. “Learning about people here, trying different foods; it’s just very diverse. I loved it.”
By the end of the school year, students who participate in the program not only leave with basic relevant faith information but also memories of an exciting, immersive and welcoming experience and subsequently feel empowered to build bridges of understanding within their local schools and communities.
Looking Ahead: Through their experience with Religious Diversity Journeys, these future leaders of tomorrow become new ambassadors for continued learning and empathy. In a world where conflicts and misunderstandings often arise due to religious and cultural differences, interfaith education as well as engaging in positive, immersive experiences promotes tolerance and respect for diversity. These students will be well prepared to bring the lessons from their RDJ experience into their future and spread their compassion into the world.
