School Workshops on Identity, Culture, and Acceptance

By Author & Educator Caroline Haidar — Creator of “My Name is Ola, Not Hola”

About Caroline Haidar

Founder • Educator • Author • Cultural Advocate • Coach

Caroline Haidar is a passionate Lebanese-American educator, children’s book author, and the founder of Nasma of NY Culture Center, where language, identity, and culture come together to empower the next generation.

With over a decade of experience teaching Arabic and running cultural programming across schools in the U.S. and abroad, Caroline is known for her joyful, affirming approach to education. Her mission is rooted in helping children feel proud of who they are—starting with their names, heritage, and voice.

Caroline’s debut children’s book, “My Name is Ola, Not Hola,” sparked the launch of her interactive school workshops focused on identity, bullying prevention, and cultural acceptance. Through storytelling, creativity, and reflection, her programs help students explore their sense of self while building empathy for others.

“When a child hears their name said correctly, they light up. When they understand the meaning behind it, they grow roots.”

As a proud Arab woman and mother, Caroline is committed to creating safe spaces where students of all backgrounds—especially children from immigrant and diaspora communities—can feel seen, celebrated, and strong.

Her school workshops support English Language Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, and DEI initiatives, and have been featured in both private and public schools across the country. Whether it’s Culture Day, Heritage Week, or a dedicated author visit, Caroline brings heart, purpose, and creativity to every session.

As an Arab American mother raising mixed-race children, I know what it feels like to be the only one in the room.
To carry a culture that’s rich and beautiful—yet often unseen or misunderstood.
To worry if your child will be accepted, if their name will be honored, if they’ll ever feel fully seen.

I created My Name is Ola, Not Hola to give voice to that struggle.
To remind kids—and the adults around them—that identity matters.
That names carry stories.
And that belonging should never require silence.

School Workshops on Identity, Culture & Acceptance

Elementary & Middle School 60- minute Workshop

Looking for a meaningful and impactful workshop that encourages cultural awareness, identity pride, and empathy in your school community for Elementary & Middle School students?

This 60-minute workshop—led by Caroline Haidar (Ola), author of My Name is Ola, Not Hola—is a powerful blend of storytelling, guided reflection, and creative expression. It’s designed for students in elementary and middle school, and aligns beautifully with English Language Arts, Humanities, DEI, Culture Week, or Heritage Day programming.

Why This Workshop Matters

A 2023 EdWeek study found that 1 in 4 students has experienced discomfort or embarrassment due to their name being mispronounced by teachers or peers.

The CDC reports that 1 in 5 students in U.S. schools experience bullying, often tied to race, ethnicity, or perceived differences.
Research shows that students who feel culturally affirmed are more likely to succeed academically and less likely to disengage or be bullied.

This workshop provides a safe, welcoming space where students can:

Feel seen and heard
Explore their personal identity
Celebrate their name and culture
Practice empathy and allyship

About the Workshop

Based on Caroline’s acclaimed picture book My Name is Ola, Not Hola, this interactive session walks students through:

The pride and history behind their names
Why name mispronunciations hurt — and how to advocate respectfully
What it means to stand tall in your culture
How to support others facing bias or exclusion

Workshops include interactive activities, storytelling, group reflection, and (for older students) a brief guided journaling experience.

Perfect for:

ELA & Humanities Units on identity, memoir, or personal narrative
Culture Day / Heritage Week/ Arab Heritage Month programs
Anti-Bullying or DEI Initiatives
Author Visits that spark real change

📩 Bring this powerful experience to your school—invite Caroline to lead a transformative, age-appropriate identity workshop that builds pride, empathy, and community.

Elementary School Workshop: My Name Has Power

Program Highlights:

Welcome & Feelings Icebreaker
Students engage with feelings cards to identify and express how they feel when their name is honored or mispronounced. This builds emotional awareness and empathy.
Read-Aloud: My Name is Ola, Not Hola
A captivating and interactive story session where students explore themes of identity, pride, and cultural misunderstanding.
Guided Discussion: Why Names Matter
Age-appropriate dialogue about the meaning of names, how to ask about unfamiliar names, and what it means to respect others’ identities.
Creative Activity: My Name, My Story
Students create a visual project (poster, drawing, or collage) that represents their name and culture, reinforcing pride and self-expression.
Kindness Circle
A short group activity that helps students practice introducing themselves and celebrating others, reinforcing inclusion and respect.
Closing Affirmation
A simple group chant that reminds each child: “My name is important. My story matters. I belong.”

Middle School Workshop: Stand Tall in Your Story

Program Highlights:

Icebreaker: What’s in a Name?
Students reflect and share the origins or experiences tied to their names to build personal connection to the topic.
Book Reading & Guided Discussion
A reading of My Name is Ola, Not Hola followed by facilitated discussion on microaggressions, cultural identity, and self-advocacy.
Journaling Prompt: This is Me
Students write privately about a meaningful experience tied to their identity or name, fostering reflection and emotional expression.
Healing Exercise: Envelope Reflection
Students seal their journal entry in an envelope, representing closure or healing. They can keep, discard, or symbolically release it.
Group Discussion & Allyship Circle
A safe space for sharing and discussing how to show up as allies in a diverse community. Emphasis on listening, empathy, and advocacy.
Affirmation & Takeaway
A final affirmation to encourage confidence and connection: “My identity is my strength. I am proud of who I am.”

Why Work With Us?

With over 12 years of experience teaching Arabic and cultural programming—primarily to students from minority backgrounds—I’ve dedicated my career to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for children.
As a certified positive psychology coach, I bring a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to every workshop, helping students not only explore their identity but also build empathy and resilience.

These aren’t just school visits—they’re healing spaces. Empowering conversations. Moments students carry with them long after the session ends.

Let’s create classrooms where every child feels like they belong.