A Friendly World
Camilla Dodson
332-3779
This youth-oriented presentation, ‘A
Friendly World’, is generally suitable for groups of children between 5 and 16
years of age, although adults are also very welcome! Participants will dance, sing, and hear
stories in the African style, and in the process learn some World Geography,
cultural perspectives, listening skills, and the meaning behind the words of
poetry. A version of this program has
been very popular in schools across
The foundation of this program is the
poem, ‘A Friendly World’. This poem, a
favorite of Girl Scouts across the globe, is attributed to a Philippine folk
song. The words sum up the world
viewpoint for my program:
I want to
live in a Friendly World
In a, in
a, in a Friendly World
I want to
live in a Friendly World
That’s
good for you and me
If I am
short of a bowl of rice
And my
next-door neighbor is in
I want to
be sure that they won’t say no
To the
color of my skin
Or my great-grandfather’s
name
Or the
tribe from which I came
Or the
church I worship in
I want to
live in a Friendly World
Oh yes, I
do!
This presentation lasts roughly one
hour, including time for questions and answers from the participants. No special equipment is required – only a
room with chairs and a bit of floor space.
It would be well suited for multiple presentations, perhaps being
scheduled on a monthly basis. ‘A
Friendly World’ can be largely subsidized by the
New Mexico Humanities Council, but sessions must be scheduled
2-3 months in advance to receive such support.
