The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education has launched the “We Are All Stewards of Our Culture and Heritage” campaign in celebration of Virgin Islands History Month. This campaign aims to encourage educators to incorporate established cultural education standards, known as the Kallaloo Framework, into their daily lesson plans. Additionally, the department has introduced three engaging challenges designed to involve students in classroom activities.
The Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education provides district-level lesson plans on the Department of Education’s curriculum portal #GoOpenUSVI, which can be accessed through the “Lesson Design Studio” and “Go Plans” platforms. These platforms enable educators to seamlessly integrate cultural standards into their teaching, thereby infusing lessons with the vibrant spirit of the islands.
Stephanie Chalana Brown, director of the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, emphasizes that “This campaign is more than just a slogan, it’s an inclusive invitation to parents, teachers and students. It serves as a gentle reminder that preserving our cultural heritage transcends history class—it applies to every subject and grade level.”
Parents can access the cultural standards through the #GoOpenUSVI microsite and continue the educational journey at home at https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courses/vide-kallaloo-framework.
Thanks to the generous support of Viya, the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education has launched the following challenges to engage teachers, students and families across the territory:
- Students Digitized Storytelling Challenge: The challenge provides students voices to become the storytellers of both the past and present Virgin Islands heritage stories. Dive into a journey of discovery and preservation, using digital tools and interviews to capture the essence of the community’s history. From goat foot/ cow foot woman stories to your grandmother’s life story, your unique perspective will breathe life into the tales of our ancestors. Join us in celebrating our cultural legacy and making history come alive for generations to come. Let’s create memories that will resonate with young and old alike – because our stories matter, and so do you!
Lesson Plan for teachers and contest rubric. https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courseware/lesson/536.
Three winners from the St. Croix district and three winners from the St. Thomas – St. John district will be given the choice between a Samsung or iPhone mobile phone, each accompanied by one year of free service from Viya.
Submissions are due by Friday, April 12.
- Environmental Stewardship Program Challenge: “Cultivating Our Culture, Conserving Our Land” — Attention teachers and students! Are you ready to make a difference? Your class will have the opportunity to develop and execute projects addressing local environmental issues, all while highlighting the cultural and historical significance of our beloved territory. Showcase your efforts by submitting a digital presentation detailing the activities your class undertook to promote stewardship of the environment. This challenge is not just about learning — it’s about action. By participating, you will deepen your understanding of your role as stewards of our natural and cultural heritage while making a tangible impact in your community.
Teachers’ Lesson Plan and Contest Rubric. https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courseware/lesson/535.
Submissions are due by Friday, April 12.
Three classrooms in the St. Croix district and three classrooms in the St. Thomas – St. John district are in for an exhilarating surprise. Win big with Viya.
- Teacher’s V.I. History Door Challenge: The “Guardians of Our Heritage” challenge is a special initiative designed exclusively for teachers in the Virgin Islands, celebrating their role as stewards of the territory’s cultural and historical legacy. This challenge invites teachers from both public and private schools across the districts of St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John to creatively decorate their classroom doors or a designated space within their schools. The decorations should reflect the theme “We Are All Stewards of Our Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage,” emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring the unique traditions, stories, and natural beauty of the Virgin Islands
Three winners from the St. Croix district and three winners from the St. Thomas – St. John district will be given a MIFI Device, each accompanied by one year of free service from Viya.
Contest Information and Criteria found here: https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courseware/lesson/534
Submissions are due by Friday, April 12.
Students and teachers must submit their entries via email to stephanie.cbrown@vide.vi. The Education’s Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education celebrates Virgin Islands’ history and cultural heritage, embracing the values that make our community unique. We are all stewards of our culture and heritage.
