Cosmopolitanism is the ideology that all human ethnic groups belong to a single community based on a shared morality. This is contrasted with communitarian and particularistic theories, especially the ideas of patriotism and nationalism. 

  

Cosmopolitanism can be traced back to the Socrates in his famous quote "I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world." Later, the founding father of the Cynic movement in Ancient Greece, Diogenes is said: "Asked where he came from and the answer is: “I am a citizen of the world!” 

  

Lisa Waters is an PhD ELL teacher who spent her childhood abroad, because her father is a US diplomat. She is teacher at two elementary schools from Northern Virginia; a wonderful person and a very talented teacher. Video were taken in last school year (2010 – 2011) when she worked with 16 worldwide children: Vamsi from India; Susan from Nepal; Julia from Brazil; Selene from Japan; Daryn and Yasmeen from Jordan; Raneem from Taiwan; Teodora from Romania; Vlad from Ireland; Joshua from Honduras; Jason from Philippines; Bryan from El Salvador; Rene, Diego, German and Andre from Mexico. For this children (6 -12 years old) English is a second language. Bilingual children are different but want to be like their classmates born in USA.  

  

Over a year, under the guidance of Lisa Waters, children were journalists from SC Tribune newspaper. They were involved in many educational projects in this school year in order to learn best English. They learned about American culture and traditions, but also about culture and traditions of their native countries.  

  

Last lesson was about cosmopolitanism, respect and tolerance. A series of stoning videos called "I am a citizen of this world." revolves around this main idea. It is a moral lesson about our world, offered with generosity to our children, of which we all have something to learn. 

  

Thank you, Lisa Waters for this awesome year. Thanks to all teachers in the world for their work.  

  

If you are interested to know more about this project, please watch video poems here: 

  

Culture Poems from Taiwan & Jordan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNkm5FCEk2s 

  

Culture Poems from Ireland & Romania & Mexico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-FZvAZcIo 

  

Culture Poems from Nepal & Brazil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcThalmcslw 

  

Culture Poems from Mexico & Japan & Bolivia & El Salvador & Honduras: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y4kevCgAGY  

  

Culture Poems from Romania & Jordan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yCyrJvdZ4k 

  

Culture Poems from Philippines & India & Mexico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zy4M5oOQdE