University of Texas at El Paso Assistant Professor Amy Reed-Sandoval is executive producer of the documentary funded by the American Philosophical Association through a Diversity and Inclusiveness Grant.
“One of the primary goals of this documentary is to explore the ways in which the social, linguistic, political and historical contexts of the Mexico-U.S. border — and particularly the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez region — impact the sorts of philosophical questions that local children and community partners seek to answer,” Reed-Sandoval said.
“We also hoped to highlight the need for education reform. Children of the borderlands raise fascinating and important philosophical questions, and they deserve opportunities to explore life’s most important questions as a regular part of their learning.”
Reed-Sandoval began the Philosophy for Children program on both sides of the border in 2014, working with children in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and El Paso. UTEP students also participated. They were trained in Philosophy for Children methodology (understanding that every person — including every child — is a philosopher by nature) and now use that training to engage with local children and youth in open-ended philosophical dialogues. El Paso community partners like Aliviane Inc., La Mujer Obrera/Rayito de Sol Daycare and Learning Center, Austin High School, the YWCA, as well as La Biblioteca Independiente Ma’Juana in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, were involved allowing UTEP students to work with the children in their care.
