Not many of us have the privilege of traveling the world, it’s a shame really! There is so much to learn from travelling, in fact, you might discover that the way you live in the world is completely different from the day to day actions of others – yes, the world is not necessarily “as we know it”. This idea was very important to me when I became a mother, I want to raise my son knowing that that the world, the universe actually, is much more complex and intriguing that what we see from our front door. I don’t want him to just be street smart, I want him to be WORLD-SMART.

In my effort to educate him on this subject, as little as he is (he’s two and a half now), I have started compiling a pile of photos for him, addressed to him, sent from across seas and from hidden gems and locations around the world. My aim is to create a book for him using these photos, which I will turn into a mini Encyclopaedia eventually (the photos will be accompanied by interesting facts, maps and world news). It’s a lengthy and ongoing project, but one that I am thoroughly enjoying, I have high hopes that it will spark an interest my child and that he will be open and interested in exploring cultures and traditions that are different to his own. This is an avenue that I feel builds the best kind of knowledge, even wisdom. 

My son’s name is Noah, and it is my pleasure to share some of the amazing photos I have received for him from amazing and diverse countries. I took the opportunity to let him know just how much he is loved by his parents at the same time. 

I think this is a lovely and exciting way to bring different cultures to children. I have often thought that if I were a teacher, this would be an awesome project for students to do. They could create a wall in their classroom where they paste photos that are either addressed to them personally, or to the class as a whole. The photos can include a person from a different nation or a landmark/piece of nature that is unique to their country. The photos could be discussed and the teacher could introduce some interesting facts about them as they come in. I am certain that the students will love the thrill of this project, it is quite exciting to receive the photos, and even more so, to share them!

Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other 'isms' grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class or whatever. You are a lucky child if your parents taught you to accept diversity. Roger Ebert

The idea actually stemmed from a post I saw on Facebook, where a friend of mine was collecting photos for her parents, for their anniversary. She asked people to write “Your love has no bounds. Happy anniversary. From (name of country).” In essence, you could twist this idea to work for multiple different projects, whether it be for educational purposes or as a thoughtful or even romantic gesture. A gift to someone even!

I have learnt so much myself since I have started gathering photos, I am itching to visit some of the places in my photos and often find myself researching the people (their culture, traditions and religions) and the landmarks shown in them. I thought I would share this idea with you culture-loving people here on Steemit, I am sure it is an avenue many would like to explore – or perhaps you might be interested in sending me a phot from your country and of your people…hint hint!

Once my mini Encyclopaedia has been completed, I will definitely be sharing it with you. It might take some time though, since I always have my hand in more than one thing – I just love creating and trying new things – I exhaust myself!

I would like to end of with this beautiful quote that encourages one to embrace, appreciate and respect diversity:

We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion. Max de Pree

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Much love - @sweetpea

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