What is Operation Cooperation?  It is a program in St. Louis, where third grade children from three different faith-based schools get together several times per year.  The purpose of Operation Cooperation is to give these children, and their parents and teachers, the opportunity to solve problems collaboratively with those of different faiths, with the hope that they will become more tolerant and respectful to others in their community and the world.

We’ve just completed our second Operation Cooperation program, which was held at St. Monica School on November 13th.  It was an amazing fun-filled hour and a half.   During that short time, the kids had the opportunity to bond with kids of other religions, while realizing how similar they all really are.  They also had the unique opportunity to play games and, through those games, learn that everyone can win together and lose together.

The students were placed in the same groups as last time and many remembered their friends from the program the month before.  It was great to see the recognition on the students’ faces when they greeted each other.  The students continued to connect with each other during the morning and it was as if they had known each other for longer than just the two short sessions.

Favorite quotes from surveys completed at the end of the program…  “I was impressed by the openness between children”.  “The kids failed, worked together, succeeded and got the simple but powerful message: working together leads us to win together.”  “Really loved the message of this program- more similarities than differences: working together to make peace in this world.”  A quote a parent heard one child say to another…  “Did you see our playground? We should play together!”

One of the things I like best about the program that is not often mentioned, is the parents and teachers of different faiths, all coming together, showing kindness towards each other.  The “goodbyes” at the end of the program were heartfelt and everyone wished each other “a Happy Thanksgiving”.  There were even some hugs between the teachers of different schools.  It is amazing that through our children we are also forging relationships with adults of different faiths and realizing our similarities as well.  The adult present at the program can see the unbiased interactions between the children and they can observe how children of different faiths enjoy the company of other children, without judgment.  Many of us would never have had the chance to meet others from different faiths and what an incredible way to do it- through our children!

By Dina Rinder