How do you remember your post-secondary orientation?

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Choose one:

A. As an activity of conformity: A means to communicate shared expectations and blend everyone into the same box. 

B. As an activity of diversity: A means to share difference and display uniqueness.

My North American orientation to my university dorm was most definitely A. I didn’t want it known that I was from a farming community of 1000 people. I just wanted to be like everyone else and fit in. Orientation at TransformNation is totally B! From day one, they seek to understand each other's differences and celebrate them!

TransformNation (TfN) leaders plan for the new students to reveal who they are and where they're from in order to celebrate their uniqueness. The students wear their traditional outfits, present their unique customs, and tell stories about their villages.  Student orientation is a big event.

“Our students come from different islands of Indonesia,” said Elly, the TfN Director. “They come with their own unique cultures that shape their perspectives and viewpoints. Most of the time, their habits and traditions are quite different from one another. We encourage them to understand and appreciate each culture and their diversity while learning to adapt to their new environment in the TfN program. We have the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ because we don’t want them to be separated by difference and ignorance, but instead, united as one loving family with the richness of each culture.”

The event marks the beginning of their training in becoming exceptional teachers who will serve diverse communities on many different islands. The skill of agility and adaptability is crucial to their growth as they learn to appreciate their peer’s differences.

Swipe below to see TransformNation students in their traditional outfit. Don't forget to pray for them and click the button below to support them!