How do you know children are growing up with the capacity and willingness to prevent future violence between people from different cultures and faiths? 

A group of teachers worked together with EnTeam facilitators to answer this question in October 2001.   They participated in workshops using games that challenge players to solve problems collaboratively: EnTeam Games.  Since 2002, teachers and parents have collaborated with EnTeam facilitators using EnTeam Games with students from different faith-based schools in a program called Operation Cooperation.  Over 1,900 students and their teachers and many parents have participated in Operation Cooperation.

Now, with 19 years of experience, EnTeam Organization is collaborating with the Center for Character and Citizenship to conduct a second major evaluation of the impact of EnTeam Games on children and adults.  Research scientist Dr. Satabdi Santani at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is prepared to conduct a quantitative study that will build on the qualitative study of Operation Cooperation conducted in 2011. 

To fund the quantitative study, UMSL and EnTeam Organization are applying to foundations and donors for support.  When the study is complete, it will document the impact on children and adults that has motivated leaders of four participating schools to provide the operating funds that have kept Operation Cooperation running for 19 years. 

During the 2021-22 school year — because of COVID-19 and concern about the safety of the children — Operation Cooperation will take a new direction: the focus will be on the use of EnTeam Games within each of the four schools. 

In 2010-2011, Washington University professor Dr. Peggy Neufeld led a team that conducted a qualitative evaluation, and the primary findings showed the value of Operation Cooperation:

  1.     Operation Cooperation “reinforced for me that people of different religions can work together.” Youth gained respect, open-mindedness, and comfort in talking and interacting with students from other religious schools, as indicated by young people , parents and school personnel.
  2.     “We learned to work in teams.” Operation Cooperation programs were enjoyable and engaging for youth, with collaboration and cooperation in problem-solving observed during the four sessions, as indicated by youth, parents and school personnel.
  3.     “Didn’t hear as much as I would have liked about Operation Cooperation.” Following the Operation Cooperation sessions, most young people and parents did not talk much about their experiences and reactions.
  4.     “Extend Operation Cooperation over several years so students can remember it as they grow older.” Young people and parents recommended additional Operation Cooperation sessions offered to higher grade students (with games modified for  older students) for long-term impact.

You can see the full report by Dr. Neufeld on the EnTeam website.

You can help us prepare for the evaluation by sharing your answers to this question: What evidence would give you confidence that children are growing up with the capacity and willingness to connect with people from different cultures and faiths in ways that reduce prejudice against diverse faiths? Please share in the comment form below the indicators that show you signs of respect and willingness of people to solve problems collaboratively.