"Issues of difference should be explicit topics for discussion, in order to develop greater awareness of Otherness through sharing experiences. The psychosocial consequences of the culture conflicts faced by ethnic and visible minority children and adolescents, or of being female and working class, are related to how race, ethnicity, gender, and class are constructed as difference." (Ghosh & Abdi, 2004, p. 79)
Various aspects of Mennonite culture are discussed on this website with the intention of providing educators the background to gain a stronger realization of who their students are, and to thus, hopefully build a more solid learning environment for students of Mennonite heritage. It is my hope that this, in turn, will increase the academic, emotional, and social success of students in the classroom.
I have attempted to portray the Russian Mexican Mennonite people as accurately as possible. If there are any misrepresentations or clarifications to be made, please leave a comment. Any feedback is welcome.
I would like to thank the following people for their ideas, help and support on this project: George Epp, MCC Ontario, Christa Dueck, Hilde Wiebe, Bernardo Rempel and countless others who contributed but will remain anonymous. Thanks also to Alyson Archibald and Rebecca Nelson for inspiring me and providing initial guidance as to what may be important to include. Thanks to each one of you for helping to give the public a better understanding of the Mennonite people and how to relate to them - helping to build a bright joint future. Here's to seeing more Mennonite students reach their potential!
In sincere gratitude,
Suzie Wiebe
Feel free to contact me if needed at [email protected]