The objective of our Club is to help children approach new experiences with curiosity and appreciation. The world beyond the immediate community in which our children live come into their experiences in many ways, and there are many opportunities to use this variety to enrich life. Children are incredibly open to and interested in diversity. They appear not to feel diminished by an acknowledgment of value in others. They also know, instinctively it would seem, that they have much in common with people who have different customs, religious beliefs, or skin color.
Children are quick to discover common ground in their interaction with peers.
If left to themselves, children from diverse backgrounds who do not even share a common language appear to find satisfactory interaction in their play. Exposure to diverse cultures, thoughts, and feelings provides integration of fresh concepts and new skills that are helpful in complex societies. Lack of knowledge about differences promotes denial and fear of the unknown. An inclusive atmosphere broadens individual points of reference and challenges preconceived stereotypes. Positive expression of diversity permits appreciation of all people's similarities through the different ways they express their humanity.