Friday, May 27 was Omololu International School’s (OIS) annual “Culture Day”, a day set aside for students to celebrate their unique and special cultural heritage and backgrounds. Over 20 different cultures were on display on Friday, with the finale being the host country of Anguilla.
Each group of students presented a spectacular look at some aspect of the traditions and aspects of their chosen culture. Most students chose a culture that represented a part of their own ancestry, however some elected to take part in a new and different country, exposing themselves to practices, songs, and dances they would not have known otherwise.
Presentations took various forms, from rehearsed dances to singing the national anthem, and there were even a few poems and short plays thrown in for some variety. All who attended came away richer with knowledge, having learned something new about a far corner of the globe, or even a fellow Caribbean island, not too far away.
The program began with the Parade of Nations, akin to the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, giving each culture the chance to enter, proudly displaying their flag for all to see. The finale of the day was the Feast of Nations where parents contributed different dishes and drinks that all were welcome to sample. Children, parents, teachers, and friends all left full to the brim due to the amazing multi-cultural spread. The entire event was kept moving by Master of Ceremonies, Rhonica Connor, Grade 6 student. Cultures represented included Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, Phillipines, USA, Tanzania, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Canada, Dominica, Anguilla, and many others.
The festival takes place on the last Friday of May, every year, and students begin preparations weeks in advance. Next year’s Culture Day is already scheduled for May 26, 2017.
Omololu International School embraces, holistic, and experiential approaches to learning about our world, equipping students with meaningful understanding and skill sets to lead successful lives and to make a positive contribution to society.
Registration for the 2016-17 School Year is now open. For more information kindly see us at www.omololuschool.org, follow us on Facebook, or contact us at 1 (264) 497-5430 or via email at info@omololuschool.org.
– Contributed