This month, ETA Charlie Cushman hosted a special session of the SMAN 1 Kalianda English Club dedicated to discussing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA. Charlie began the meeting by showing an excerpt of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, followed by an introduction to who MLK was and the message for which he stood. Next, Charlie taught about the belief enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.”

Students also learned about ways in which this belief has not always held true, as they explored oppression, racism, and segregation. This helped students understand Dr. King’s speech and the broader civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, giving them a more nuanced understanding of the U.S. in its 250th year. Next, students compared the idea that “all men are created equal” to Indonesia’s Pancasila, the country’s national creed, and its belief in “social justice for all Indonesian people.” Students drew similarities between how both nations have at times fallen short of these visions, yet how the goals remain invaluable ends to which to aspire.

Finally, students brainstormed a list of important issues in their own communities. In pairs, students picked an issue and wrote and performed their own short “I Have a Dream” speech, in which they identified a problem and envisioned a better future. Overall, students enjoyed learning about MLK and U.S. history while practicing their English skills and discussing important local topics.

Charles Cushman is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Kalianda, South Lampung.