Photo Via MPSFDN.org
MPS World Fair
United Nations Schools of International Learning World Fair at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Downtown Milwaukee is set to host a vibrant celebration of cultures and global citizenship as the MPS World Fair returns for its 9th annual edition on Thursday, April 11. With over 2,400 students from 17 diverse schools participating, this event promises to be a colorful tapestry of international learning and cultural exchange.
The Baird Center will be the hub of activity, welcoming students from some of the most diverse schools in Milwaukee. These students, ranging from grades 4 to 8, have spent the year delving into the intricacies of the 193 member countries of the United Nations. Through their projects, they will showcase not only the strengths and challenges of each nation but also its role within its region or continent.
Beyond the static displays, the World Fair will come alive with cultural performances representing the rich tapestry of global heritage. Attendees can expect performances from various schools, including the Milwaukee School of Languages Congolese Swahili Choir, a German choir from the Milwaukee German Immersion School, African drumming from Stuart School, Vietnamese and Hmong dancers from Rufus King and African dancers from the Milwaukee French Immersion School.
What sets this year’s World Fair apart is the introduction of the MPS Citizenship Award. This award recognizes outstanding service-learning projects undertaken by 8th-grade students as part of the UNSIL program. These projects, tied to UN Sustainability Goals, serve to benefit the Milwaukee community or enhance the students' classroom or school environment. With three prizes of $500 each up for grabs, the stakes are high for these young global citizens.
“We are cultivating global scholars, and this crucial program teaches our children that they are active and interconnected citizens of the world,” said Willie Jude II, executive director of MPS Foundation. “Through the exchange of cultural knowledge, students will make significant strides in fostering a more peaceful world by developing greater compassion and appreciation for everyone.”
Working for World Peace
Behind the scenes, visionary local philanthropists Annette J. Roberts and Joan R. Robertson have played a pivotal role in making the World Fair and the UNSIL program a reality. Their Fund for World Peace, World Law and Peace Education, channeled through the MPS Foundation and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, has supported the expansion of the UNSIL curriculum across MPS schools. Their dedication to fostering global citizenship echoes through the enthusiasm of the students participating in the World Fair.
“This was the dream of my mother, Joan Robertson and at 108 years old she is thrilled that it continues on,” said Annette Robertson, active volunteer for UNSIL. “The really wonderful thing is that if you ask any student at the World Fair about their country or what they studied, in response, they’re so excited and empowered. They see that these children and these people are like them; they just speak a different language and live in a different country.”
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The UNSIL program is not just about academic learning; it's about equipping students with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in a competitive 21st-century global workforce. Through a curriculum centered on world affairs, current events, and cultural competencies, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy—qualities essential for success in any future career path.
As the MPS World Fair prepares to unfold once again in Downtown Milwaukee, it serves as a testament to the power of education in fostering global citizenship and celebrating the rich diversity of our world. With each project presented and each performance shared, these young students are not just honoring countries and cultures—they're shaping a more interconnected and compassionate world for generations to come.
