Highlighting Grantee Linda Matsumoto’s Cultural Crafts Program

At Foundation 65, we are proud to support educators like Linda Matsumoto, whose innovative projects create meaningful learning experiences for students. For the past three years, Linda has received Foundation 65 funding for her cultural crafts programs at Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, benefiting students from third to eighth grade.

Linda's programs have introduced students to a wide array of cultural craft techniques, beginning with Japanese origami. "In the first year, I taught Japanese origami skills and included lessons about the origin of origami and paper making in Japan," she explains. One of the most memorable outcomes of the program was seeing two middle school brothers at Rhodes master origami and eagerly return to participate in subsequent classes, including Korean paper folding and felting Ancestral artifacts.

Beyond the enjoyment of creating, these cultural crafts classes have had a lasting impact on students. “All of the students clamored to join my annual spring crafting classes," Linda says. The students appreciated not only the opportunity to create something they could share with their families but also the chance to socialize with their peers. While students enjoyed the hands-on nature of the classes, they were also introduced to the math applications inherent in origami and Asian paper folding. The result was a unique blend of social-emotional learning and academic skill-building.

Linda’s work will be more important than ever as Bessie Rhodes faces closure in two years. Launching this winter, her upcoming World Cultures Club will offer students a space to explore and celebrate diverse global traditions, languages, and customs. "I felt it was important to uplift students with a vibrant program that will provide an inclusive space for students to learn about cultures from around the world," Linda shares. This initiative aims to continue fostering a sense of community and inclusivity, which is crucial during such a challenging time for the school.

Foundation 65 is honored to support Linda Matsumoto in creating educational opportunities that are both culturally enriching and academically engaging. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the remarkable projects our grantees bring to Evanston/Skokie schools.