When Ben Henderson came to the Czech Republic 9 years ago, there wasn’t nearly the wealth of cultural resources available for Americans, especially the youngest nationals, that one can find now. Though opportunities to join in Yank-style fun gradually grew, there continued to be a lack of awareness within the English speaking community that those events were taking place and that those resources were available.
Inspired by the American Citizens Abroad organization and finding himself with two children of his own, Henderson decided a few years ago to set up a similar organization that would collect educational resources and info about social and cultural events for American kids in Prague called American Children Abroad.
Henderson’s site links to an invaluable resource that he says most American parents don’t have a clue about, like the Library of Congress kids and families site, which has dozens of interactive games, videos, quizzes and other activities for American kids to learn about their nation’s history. American Children Abroad also links to the Read.gov program and other e-learning sites especially useful for American, as well as other English-speaking kids.
Additionally the site compiles cultural events for English speaking kids around Prague hosted by the American Center, the American Embassy, and local international schools. On June 28 there is a showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which, although it’s a British story, is an American favorite as well.
Henderson says it is especially important for his family to keep American holiday traditions alive. “Ježíšek is great, but kids love Santa Clause,” he said. “My two children have never been to the U.S. and I want them to experience what I experienced growing up and appreciate what America has to offer, especially around Halloween and Christmas.”
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