Park Forest, Schools

Youth Delegation from Village Leadership Academy Returns from Cuba


CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–June 28, 2016.  Chicago’s premier social justice school, Village Leadership Academy (VLA), sent 21 South and Westside youth to Cuba this summer as part of their annual World Scholars Program (WSP).  Recently featured on WBEZ for their CTA train takeover and civic engagement project that educated voters on the importance of the State’s Attorney race (#ByeAnita Campaign), VLA is not only at the forefront of transformative education in Chicago, but it has also been steadfastly positioning marginalized youth for global leadership over the past seven years through study abroad opportunities in Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Panama.

Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson and State Representative La Shawn K. Ford led VLA’s youth delegation to Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The delegation explored the unique history and culture of each region and engaged with Cuban artists, entrepreneurs, educators, youth leaders, and rural residents to better understand the Republic of Cuba’s emerging relationship with the U.S. and how imperialism, globalization, and sustained resistance have shaped Cuban culture and life.  Watch a brief webcast, “Developing World Leaders, Right Here in Chicago,” by CBS reporter, Derrick C. Young, here: https://www.facebook.com/Derrick-C-Young-680371012089640/

Source: Village Leadership Academy

 

 


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