By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Local Girl Scouts had their passports stamped for nine countries in a two-hour whirlwind tour of the globe last Saturday (Feb. 11).
As part of a Girl Scout World Thinking Day event at Bowling Green State University, the young girls and their families learned about the culture, history, languages and foods of China, Japan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Brazil.
The collaboration between the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and BGSU’s International Programs and Partnership opened the minds and eyes of the scouts to the world beyond their own cities, state and country.
Danielle Henry smiled as she showed her mother, Emily, a tiny version of a Vietnamese Banh Mi (sandwich) she made out of playdough. “We wanted to be part of this event to meet other Girl Scouts and to learn about the cultures of other countries,” Emily Henry said.
Felicity Dogbatse, a BGSU graduate student studying intercultural and international communication, proudly wore the bright, vivid colors of her native Ghana. During a session that included everyone, the girls and families sang along as she taught the words and dance for “Blessings of Ghana.”
“I was so happy to see how easily they learned the words to our song that is about freedom,” Dogbatse said. “I like to teach about the rich history and culture of my country. It is a beautiful and peaceful country, the second most peaceful country in Africa.”
The activities at each booth brought the lessons to life for all the participants.
Charlotte and Teagan, two scouts from Lake Township, presented their heart-shaped origami creations that they made while visiting the Japan booth.
Kit and Maggie Jatho were wide-eyed with surprise when Anubhav Bhandari, an aviation student from Nepal, told them that Kumari, a goddess who is worshipped in his country, was about the same age as them. He also talked about how cows are worshipped in Nepal.
At the China booth, the girls wrote “Hello” using the beautiful script of the Chinese characters and they wrote their names using the interesting Ethiopian alphabet.
The event, which was started in 2021, was developed by Joyce Rhodes, community development team leader for the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, and Marcia Salazar-Valentine, executive director of BGSU’s International Programs and Partnerships. With a mutual goal of providing a cultural exchange, Rhodes wanted the scouts to learn there are different cultures and different ways that people live across the world. Salazar-Valentine knew the international students would enjoy sharing about their countries and at the same time gain experience at public speaking.
“This is also a way for me to pay back what the organization did for me,” Salazar-Valentine said. “I grew up benefiting from being a Girl Scout and learning about leadership and global awareness.”
Beverly Miner, a long-time Girl Scout volunteer and historian from Bowling Green, told the girls, “Girl Scouts and Girl Guides are present in 152 countries all over the world, and because of that you have sisters around the world. You can travel anywhere and meet your sisters wherever you go.”
