Friday, November 5, 2004

Kids Learn Tolerance, Diversity From Storybook Zebra

By Debra Dominguez
Journal Staff Writer
    Jessica Romero, 14, has heard many interesting stories in her life. However, the Valley High School freshman says one story— "Zink the Zebra"— has had an attitude changing effect on her.
    "Before I heard the story, I was doing things like treating people differently just because they were different from me," Romero said of the tale, which features a spotted zebra that comes to terms with being different from his striped peers. "Now, I know it's important to give everybody a chance— no matter what they look like."
    Romero is one of about 100 students from throughout the metro area who recently attended one of the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council's Zink the Zebra workshops, a nationally recognized program that aims to help children learn the values of diversity, acceptance and tolerance.
    The council, which received a $10,000 grant from the Starbucks Foundation to offer the program in Albuquerque, will offer four other Zink the Zebra workshops at area elementary schools this month.
    Today's workshop will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hawthorne Elementary, located at 420 General Somervell NE.
    Jennifer Kemp, director of marketing and communications with the Chaparral Council, said the organization has trained Starbucks' employees and high school girls to deliver the program to younger children.
    The program is based on the "Zink the Zebra" children's book written by Kelly Weil (1982-1993), an 11-year-old girl with terminal cancer who wanted to share her experiences with other children, Kemp said.
    The book follows Zink's progress as he comes to appreciate and respect himself and those around him for their differences.
    Kemp said Girl Scouts of the USA has adopted the Zink the Zebra program nationally.
   
Diversity workshops
   
   
The Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council will offer four Zink the Zebra diversity workshops this month:
    TODAY: From 3 to 5 p.m. at Hawthorne Elementary, 420 General Somervell NE.
    TUESDAY: From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Emerson Elementary, 620 Georgia SE.
    WEDNESDAY: From 3 to 5 p.m. at Griegos Elementary, 4040 San Isidro NW.
    NOV. 17: From 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. at Wherry Elementary, Bldg. 25000, at Kirtland Air Force Base, East.
    High School girls who would like to volunteer to help the Zink the Zebra program may call Angela McBride at 343-1040. If you would like to join the Chaparral Council, visit its Web site at www.chaparralgirlscouts.org.