Global Philadelphia launches education platform

Part of the World Heritage City Project, LearnPhillyHeritage.org provides global education and Philadelphia heritage resources.

The Global Philadelphia Association recently launched a first-of-its-kind website LearnPhillyHeritage.org, offering low-cost and free heritage educational resources.

"Philadelphia has a wealth of educational resources and opportunities that showcase the city's heritage," said Melissa A. Stevens, Ph.D., World Heritage Coordinator.

"Despite the wealth of educational opportunities available, we have learned that many teachers have difficulty finding and accessing resources that are relevant and affordable. The difficulty is in knowing where to look and how to find what is relevant and affordable," said Stevens.

Featuring a searchable listing of educational resources related to global education and Philadelphia heritage, Stevens said the project is "designed to connect Philly students, teachers, and families to everything our World Heritage City has to offer."

"It's all about accessibility. All Philadelphians deserve to know about and feel a part of what makes our city great."

Built in partnership with web developer Kevin Ramirez of FactSumo.com, Stevens received input on the website's content from World Heritage Education Consultant, Sarah Sharp, and Global Philadelphia Webmaster, Marla Katz.

"This website is an opportunity to position Philadelphia on the national and global stage as a city that is truly interested in ensuring that all understand what it means to be a World Heritage City," said Zabeth Teelucksingh, Global Philadelphia's Executive Director.

The site also includes information on Philadelphia's World Heritage City designation, event listings, and professional development opportunities for educators.

Designated as the first "World Heritage City" in the United States, Philadelphia joined the Organization of World Heritage Cities, a community of over 280 World Heritage Cities around the world including Vienna, Cairo, Paris, Jerusalem, Timbuktu, Rome, Berlin, Kyoto, and Amsterdam.

A "City of the World's Heritages" and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value," Independence Hall, LearnPhillyHeritage.org will promote Philadelphia's rich array of historic buildings and cultural sites including 67 National Historic Landmarks.

Earlier this month, Global Philadelphia and the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia hosted an On the Table Philly luncheon while launching the website.

"As an educator, I feel empowered by the LearnPhillyHeritage.org website to be better able to share this amazing city, and its unique and diverse cultural heritage," said Linda Grimwade, a volunteer at the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians who attended the luncheon.

Grimwade was one of many participants that shared their "diverse experiences and perspectives to discover new ways to contribute to educating global kids with local roots," according to Genienne Navarro, Consultant with Ford + Navarro Associates.

"The process we engaged in mirrors some of the skills we seek to develop in our children through the World Heritage project," said Navarro.

"LearnPhillyHeritage.org will help make our city's rich past and global heritage accessible to educators, students and families," said Stevens.

"We're eager to keep developing this new resource, and we welcome input from the community to help grow the site."

Article originally published on Patch.com, written by Louis Bolling