Why Journeys: World Religions in Metropolitan Detroit Matters: An Educator’s Perspective

July 15, 2025

For educators seeking to broaden their students’ understanding of the world around them, the Journeys: World Religions in Metropolitan Detroit program offers an immersive and transformative learning experience. From the perspective of Rania Hammoud, K–12 Curriculum Coordinator for Social Studies, World Language, and School Climate for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, this program stands out not only for its academic excellence but for the personal growth it inspires in students.

The program takes middle school students beyond the classroom and into the sacred spaces of Metro Detroit’s diverse religious communities. Over the course of the school year, participants visit places of worship representing major world religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Each visit includes tours of sacred spaces, culturally-connected meals, interactive opportunities, and welcoming interactions with faith leaders and community members.

Hammoud reflected on a particularly impactful moment during the program:

“One moment that truly stood out to both our students and staff was the visit to the Sikh Gurdwara. For many of our students, it was their first time learning about Sikhism in such an immersive way. They were warmly welcomed, invited to observe prayer, and then shared a meal together in the langar hall. They also really enjoyed the opportunity to help in the kitchen and make bread alongside their peers and the community volunteers. It was a powerful reminder of how stepping into another community with openness can lead to meaningful connections and lasting impressions. This particular visit sparked deep conversations and truly embodied the goals of the [Journeys: World Religions in Metropolitan Detroit] program.”

Experiences like these are both memorable and impactful for students. The program pushes students to develop self-understanding and challenges them to expand their worldviews.

“The program encouraged self-reflection and personal growth. Many students shared that it challenged them to think more deeply about their own beliefs, values, and assumptions. For some, it was the first time they had stepped into a place of worship different from their own, and that experience left a lasting impression.”

In addition to building increased awareness, Hammoud emphasized how the program helps build essential life skills.

“Programs like [Journeys: World Religions in Metropolitan Detroit] are essential in today’s educational environment because they provide students with the cultural competency, empathy, and critical thinking skills they need to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. In an age where misinformation and stereotypes can easily spread, it’s more important than ever to give students authentic opportunities to learn about different faiths, cultures, and perspectives directly from the communities that are part of Metro Detroit.”

For Hammoud, the value of the program is clear.

“As educators, we have a responsibility to create learning environments that reflect and honor the diversity of our society. [The Journeys program] helps us do just that.”

In today’s increasingly polarized world, such experiences are an important part of a well-rounded education. It creates a sense of curiosity, humility, and belonging among students of different backgrounds and teaches them to engage respectfully in diverse settings.

For Hammoud and many other educators, [Journeys] is a vital part of shaping compassionate and open-minded young citizens.

“Watching students walk away with more understanding, more compassion, and more connection—that’s the heart of education.”